© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie Andre Jackson Jr. vows to stay ready, thankful for having veteran teammates as mentors
Andre Jackson Jr. had a rare start on Saturday night, and the energetic rookie did not disappoint when he submitted career-high numbers in helping the Milwaukee Bucks to a 146-114 routing of the Detroit Pistons.
Earning 26 minutes of playing time, Jackson finished with 10 points and eight rebounds—both career highs—as he helped cushion the impact of the absence of Khris Middleton (rest) and Malik Beasley (illness).
Jackson said he has been preparing for those kinds of moments.
"Just staying ready. I think I pride myself in staying ready, I'm never going to let the moment surpass me," said Jackson, who was Milwaukee's 36th overall pick in this year's Rookie Draft.
Learning from the best
Jackson vowed to pounce on every opportunity that will come his way, and he considers himself super blessed that he has veteran teammates who can help him elevate his game.
The 22-year-old guard said having veteran teammates helped him acquire knowledge that rookies like him badly need to excel in the league.
"I mean, as a rookie, I probably have the best roster in the league in terms of veterans. I'm playing with multiple superstars who have been in the league and carved out a role as a superstar for themselves, and they give me advice every day. And then I also have guys who have played significant roles and winning teams. So really, every single guy has been there for me and has given me advice, one day it's one guy, the next day it's a different guy," said Jackson.
Jackson said it is also a luxury that he and some of his veteran teammates have similar playing styles.
"But I'd say the biggest guys that are constantly on me, I would say Jae Crowder and Malik Beasley just because we have a lot of similarities in our game, and I feel like the way that the impact of the role that they play on the team, I feel like I can play similar role, whether guarding the best player on the other team, knowing the scouting report and also just bringing that energy to the team and being a guy that brings a lot of energy to the game and kind of connects the court," Andre said.
And, of course, there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been teaching the rookie how to become a ferocious attacker.
"Giannis, he's giving me advice like how to be better at attacking my defender and stuff like when we would play one-on-one in the summer and even now still constantly telling me things," Jackson said.
Always ready to go
Jackson Jr. has already played 19 games this season with four starts. He is averaging 8.9 minutes and is good for 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per contestr.
Jackson wouldn't know when he could have another opportunity to crack the starting unit. But one thing's for sure: the rookie will capitalize on every chance once his number is called.
"That's just something I've grown over the years to just realize that every day is an opportunity. Even today in practice, that's for me to show the coaches that I'm locked in and I'm trying to learn and trying to be a part of this team. So every day is an opportunity, never take no days off, don't take any plays off," he said.
