Jackson injects energy, new-found offense for UConn
Opponents are paying more attention to junior Andre Jackson.
That’s a very good thing as far as No. 14 UConn is concerned.
Heading into Saturday’s regular-season finale against Villanova (16-14, 10-9 Big East) at 7:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Jackson is in the best offensive stretch of his college career.
Jackson has scored in double figures in three of the last four games, something that he had done only four times this season prior to that. He’s also continued to contribute all over the court, averaging 11.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 65.2 percent from the field during UConn’s four-game winning streak.
In Wednesday’s rout of DePaul, Jackson flirted with his first triple-double before finishing with 11 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
“I’m so happy for him,” coach Dan Hurley said, “because he’s the greatest guy you can coach.” I’m so happy that he’s been in double figures for three of the last four games and that he’s figured some things out offensively.”
Consider Jackson’s scoring a nice bonus.
Don’t expect Jackson, a versatile 6-foot-6 guard, to alter his style of play. He wants to continue to be a team-first player that injects life into a game and does the little things that will help the Huskies win.
“It’s definitely fun to do that,” Jackson said about scoring. “But I think it’s important to know what I’m out there for and what my strengths are and stick to those strengths, not lose my identity in the process of that. Just let that become another part of my game and not let it side-track me.”
Jackson’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
Since the off-season, Jackson has taken charge as a leader on and off the court. He welcomed newcomers in the program, offered encouraging words and organized team building activities. He ignites the Huskies and delights the home crowd with his heart and hustle.
But he’s struggled on the offensive end, averaging just 6.6 points and shooting 40 percent from the field.
Opponents have backed off on Jackson, basically daring him to shoot from the perimeter. It’s an un
NO. 14 UCONN AT VILLANOVA 7:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Arena, Ch. 61
derstandable strategy given that he's converting an icy 27.1 percent from 3-point land.
The lack of respect for his shooting ability – opposing players call out `no shooter' – frustrated Jackson to the point he picked up two technicals for barking at the bench after sinking shots in back-to-back games against Georgetown (Dec. 20) and Villanova (Dec. 28).
His defender has been free to clog the lane or double-down on another Husky.
That's starting to change. When UConn visited St. John's Feb. 25, two games after Jackson scored a career high 15 points versus Seton Hall, his defender tracked him closely. He still equaled his career high and made a nice catch-andshooter 3-pointer from the corner.
With help from the coaching staff, Jackson figured out a better way to take advantage of his athleticism and generate good scoring opportunities. He's stopped settling for perimeter shots.
“He's figured out the spots where he can be successful at, even if they play soft,” Hurley said. “It's taken a while for us to crack the code. But I think we figured out where he needs to be deployed, too, and he's learned to get there during the game.”
It's been a challenging adjustment for Jackson. He's set aside his ego and resists the temptation to take open but lower percentage shots.
All he really cares about is the team's success.
“For me, I just want to win,” Jackson said. “So, I know that it's not about me. There are certain times where I'm like, `Damn, I should shoot this.' But I've seen the way that's turned out in different games this season where I did take that approach.
“So, just switching my approach and listening to the coaching and what to do in what situation and then just finding myself in the right spots. The biggest thing is just knowing my role and knowing my identity.”
Jackson and the Huskies will put their winning streak on the line against Villanova, which lost the first meeting 74-66 win Dec. 28 in Hartford.
The Wildcats are a different team now, with the return of Justin Moore from injury and the team more in tune with first-year coach Kyle Neptune. They're one of the Big East's hottest teams, winning six of their last seven including the last three – at Seton Hall, Creighton and at Xavier.
“The confidence of the team and the energy is a lot different, and then the quality at both ends,” Hurley said of Villlanova. “(Moore) would be up for player of the year in the league if he played from the beginning of the year.”
Winners of seven of their last eight, the Huskies also are soaring. They've earned one of five first round byes in the Big East tourney. Saturday's results will determine if they finish either No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5.