Jaren Jackson Jr. projects as exactly the type of player who would thrive playing for Team USA. After a standout debut season for which he was named First Team All-Rookie, it was easy to imagine the Memphis Grizzlies big man suiting up for his country, helping the Americans to gold on the world stage. Due to player after player declining to play for the national team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, though, he's getting first taste of USA Basketball much sooner than anticipated.
Jackson was named to the USA Basketball Select Team on Thursday, the group of promising young players who train with the senior team leading up to international competition. He reacted to the news on Twitter, thanking the powers that be for such a golden opportunity.
Thank you @usabasketball for the opportunity🇺🇸🇺🇸 it’s a blessing🙏🏾
— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) August 1, 2019
The Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond became the latest Team USA veteran to withdraw from World Cup proceedings on Thursday, joining a chorus of other incumbents who decided to focus on training for the regular season. Other notable players who have recently elected against participating are the Houston Rockets' James Harden, Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis, and Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard.
Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick of last year’s draft, immediately flashed two-way star potential upon his NBA debut. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 26.1 minutes per game, showing off rare versatility on both ends of the floor for a near seven-footer. The Michigan State product’s rookie campaign was cut short in late February, when a nagging quad injury sidelined him for the season’s remainder.
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