As a freshman, Jackson played basketball for Lutheran Northwest High School in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He moved to Old Redford Academy in Detroit for his sophomore season.[1] As a junior, Jackson competed for SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio alongside LaMelo Ball and his Old Redford teammate Rocket Watts.[2] He averaged 14.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. For his senior season, he transferred to Waterford Mott High School in Waterford, Michigan.[3] Jackson averaged 19.1 points, 13 rebounds and 7.7 blocks per game as a senior.[4] He was named to the Jordan Brand Classic roster.[5]
Recruiting
Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals, Jackson committed to playing college basketball for Kentucky over offers from Alabama and Syracuse.[6]
On December 1, 2020, Jackson recorded seven points, 12 rebounds and a career-high eight blocks in a 65–62 loss to seventh-ranked Kansas at the Champions Classic. He had the most single-game blocks by a Kentucky player since Willie Cauley-Stein in 2013.[7] As a freshman, Jackson averaged 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and an SEC-high 2.6 blocks per game, earning SEC All-Defensive and All-Freshman Team honors.[8] On March 17, 2021, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility.[9] He later signed with an agent, forgoing his remaining eligibility.[10]
Professional career
Indiana Pacers (2021–present)
Jackson was selected with the 22nd pick of the 2021 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and then traded to the Indiana Pacers.[11] On October 23, he made his NBA debut, scoring one point in two minutes of action during a 102–91 overtime win over the Miami Heat.[12] On January 31, 2022, Jackson logged a career-high 26 points, alongside ten rebounds and two blocks, in a 122–116 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.[13]