GG Jackson Bio
Gregory “GG” Jackson II is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks and has achieved notable success early in his career, being recognized in the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. His impressive high school career led him to be a highly sought-after prospect, and he has continued to excel in his professional journey after being drafted by the Grizzlies in 2023.
Early Life and Background
GG Jackson was born on December 17, 2004, in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in a supportive environment that fostered his love for basketball. Jackson attended Ridge View High School, where he began to make a name for himself on the court. As a sophomore, he averaged 15.8 points and 10 rebounds, helping his team win the South Carolina Class 5A State Championship. His junior year saw him named the South Carolina Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year, as he averaged 22.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, leading the Blazers to a second consecutive state title.
Path to Basketball
GG Jackson was rated a five-star recruit and was considered the consensus best collegiate prospect for the 2023 recruiting class. Initially, he committed to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina shortly after his junior season, but later decommitted, making headlines as the first player to do so since J. R. Smith in 2003. Jackson ultimately reclassified to the class of 2022 and enrolled at the University of South Carolina, becoming the highest-ranked recruit in the school’s history.
GG Jackson Career
Early Career (2023)
Jackson entered his freshman season at South Carolina as the Gamecocks’ starting power forward. He quickly made an impact, being named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Week after averaging 15 points and nine rebounds in his first two games. Despite facing challenges, including a tough game against Tennessee, he rebounded with a strong performance against Kentucky, finishing the season as the Gamecocks’ leading scorer with an average of 15.4 points per game. Following the season, he declared for the 2023 NBA draft.
Breakthrough (2023-2024)
GG Jackson was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. He joined the team for the 2023 NBA Summer League and signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies, splitting time with their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. Due to extensive injuries on the Grizzlies roster, Jackson was recalled from the Hustle and made significant contributions to the team. On February 8, 2024, he scored a career-high 27 points in a game against the Chicago Bulls, leading to a four-year contract with the Grizzlies the following day. On March 10, he made his starting debut, scoring 30 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His performance peaked on March 20, when he scored 35 points and made seven three-pointers, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to achieve this feat. In the regular season finale on April 14, Jackson scored 44 points and recorded 12 rebounds, setting the record for the most points by a rookie in Grizzlies franchise history.
Notable Works and Milestones
GG Jackson’s signature achievements include being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2024 and the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2022. He has also set multiple records, including being the youngest player in NBA history to record 40 points and 10 rebounds in a game.
GG Jackson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, GG Jackson has received notable nominations, including the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2024 and the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2022.
GG Jackson Awards Won
GG Jackson has achieved significant milestones early in his career, including being recognized as the youngest player in NBA history to make seven three-pointers in a game and to record 40 points and 10 rebounds in a game. He also holds the record for the most points by a rookie in Grizzlies franchise history.
