Josh Jackson is by most metrics a top three draft prospect of the 2017 NBA Draft.
Jackson is a 6’8″ 210 lb. freshman for the Kansas Jayhawks that is averaging 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on 50 percent shooting in just over 30 minutes per game.
He is highly regarded by scouts for his extreme athleticism, length, energy and ability to be a lock-down defender on the NBA level as well as a great scorer. Many scouts compare him to recent Kansas star freshman and current budding Timberwolves star Andrew Wiggins.
His stock could be a taking a dip though after reports have surfaced that he has been charged with a misdemeanor for property damage connected to an incident that occurred in early December.
Via @DouglasCountyDA: #kubball's Josh Jackson charged with vandalism misdemeanor. More on the charge: https://t.co/EZhz4cMTYu pic.twitter.com/qKHlJHnFsW
— Daily Kansan (@KansanNews) February 24, 2017
The incident involved fellow Kansas player Lagerald Vick (who also has been accused of domestic violence) and Kansas women’s basketball player McKenzie Calvert.
Here is an excerpt from the Kansas City Star about the situation:
Calvert reportedly threw a drink on a male patron while leaving the bar. The Star has learned that the patron was Vick.
Jackson followed Calvert to her car, according to the release, and they argued. Witnesses saw Jackson kick the driver’s door of Calvert’s car and kick a rear taillight.
The Star has learned that Calvert — a standout on the women’s team — was in the driver’s seat while Jackson kicked her car.
Investigators have interviewed several people who witnessed the reported crime. A police report categorized the $2,991 in total damage to the car as a felony. But Friday’s release listed the damage at a higher amount, $3,150.45.
“Felony criminal damage (damage in excess of $1,000) was not charged because the state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that all the damage to the door and taillight were caused by Jackson,” the release said.
Jackson was disciplined internally by Kansas coach Bill Self, who called Jackson a “great ambassador for this university” and Jackson has pledged to pay for any damage to the vehicle.
Although this is a somewhat minor situation, it reflects poorly on Jackson’s maturity level and NBA teams will and should take this into account when they assess Jackson’s character and readiness heading into the NBA Draft process after the college basketball season.
I have generally heard that Josh Jackson is an intelligent person and a hardworking player, so this maybe a minor lapse in judgement and not an indication of a more over-arching issue. Jackson will have to explain his behavior to teams who are considering taking him with one of the top three picks of what anticipates to be a very deep draft.
