Josh Jackson InterviewBy: Evan Tomes

2016’s top prospect, Josh Jackson, had a sensational week at the McDonald’s All American Game. After dominating in practice he would go on to earn Co-MVP along with Frank Jackson. Jackson currently projects as the top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, here is what he had to say.

NBADraft.net: How has Chicago been so far?

Josh Jackson: It’s been great. It’s not my first time here. I love Chicago, it’s a great city, and it’s especially a great place to have this game because basketball is such a big thing here. Everybody just loves it so much.

NBADraft.net: Do you feel like you have anything to prove in this game?

Josh Jackson: No, not at all, I don’t think so. I’m just here to have fun and compete.

NBADraft.net: To somebody who hasn’t seen you play before, how would you describe your game to them?

Josh Jackson: I’m a very athletic wing who can dribble, play really hard, play hard defense. A great passer.

NBADraft.net: Is there anybody you pattern your game after?

Josh Jackson: Not anyone in particular but I do watch a lot of college and NBA games, a lot of players, and when I’m watching each and every one of them I just try to take little pieces of each  of them and try to add it into my game.

NBADraft.net: What’s something you want to improve on or add to your game before you go to college?

Josh Jackson: I want to improve on my shooting and probably my ball handling a little bit.

NBADraft.net: You had the opportunity to play on The Grind Session a lot in their inaugural season, how was it?

Josh Jackson: It was pretty nice. I could see it getting a lot better over the years, of course there’s always room for improvement but for the first year it was a really good event. Night in and night out you were playing against a top player or top team in the country and it kind of reminded me of AAU a little bit because the talent was just so high.

NBADraft.net: Who has been the most difficult opponent for you to face?

Josh Jackson: Probably Miles Bridges.

NBADraft.net: You guys had some big games against each other this year.

Josh Jackson: Yeah we have. He’s a real tough player. Very, very strong and he and I are actually really close friends. When we play against each other we actually take it personally so we don’t want to lose because the other one’s going to talk trash about it later.

NBADraft.net: At what age did you realize basketball was something you wanted to pursue?

Josh Jackson: When I was about five years old, I started really liking it. I think that’s when I actually first started playing it.

NBADraft.net: How have the past two years playing at Prolific Prep and in California been?

Josh Jackson: It’s been really good to me. California’s a great place. I love the weather, I love my teammates. I have some good coaches and the people out there, they really care about you individually as a person. I feel like I’m in an environment where I can trust everyone around me.

NBADraft.net: What’s been your most memorable moment of your basketball career so far?

Josh Jackson: Probably over the summer, USA U19 basketball, we played against Croatia in the finals and we ended up winning the game but in the fourth quarter with about five seconds left I fouled out and sent the kid to the free throw line. We were up by one point and he shot two free throws, made the first one then missed it. Then I had to watch my team win it in overtime. I was just happy that we won.

NBADraft.net: Many consider you the top player in the nation, what do you think it is that separates you from every other player?

Josh Jackson: I think what separates me from everybody is how hard I compete and my will to win. I think that’s the biggest thing that separates me from everyone.

NBADraft.net: If you could go back and give advice to a ninth grade Josh Jackson, what would you say?

Josh Jackson: Do some pushups and eat right.

NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Josh Jackson: Hopefully in the NBA, playing on a good team.