British Basketball League fans have waited over a year to see what new Bristol Flyers guard CJ Jackson can do on the hardwood, and the American floor general hasn’t disappointed as he’s adjusted to life in the south-west.
The 27-year-old American floor general first landed on British soil in August 2022 with great anticipation, as the Leicester Riders’ answer to the departure of two-time League MVP Geno Crandall.
Injuries
cut short Jackson’s stay at the Morningside Arena so we never got to see what
he could do for the then-defending-champions in the League, but the point guard
elaborated on the difficulties he had at Leicester whilst expressing his joy at
having another opportunity in the League with Bristol.
“Last
time I signed for a team in this league it obviously didn’t really work out so
I’m excited to have another opportunity and move forward from here helping the
Bristol Flyers as much as I can.
“Before
I signed for the Riders last year, I was involved in a motorcycle accident and
the injuries were pretty awful to be honest. I went to pre-season with Leicester,
gave it my all, competed with them, but I knew I wasn’t right and after I left
it took me about four months to fully recover.
“During
the time I was there, just getting on the court was so difficult because of the
injuries I had and the pain I was in, but there was nothing really that I or
the club could do about it. It was just unfortunate timing but I am grateful to
the Riders for the opportunity and everything they did for me.”
The do-it-all floor general
The
North Carolina native’s professional career is still in its early days, but
Jackson has shown himself to be a true team player on the floor from day one,
able to contribute points, assists and rebounds in volume during spells in Finland
and Sweden, following an impressive collegiate career at Ohio State University.
Flyers
fans have already seen evidence of that versatility too, already earning game
highs in steals (3) and assists (8) during his four games domestically so far, with
a 24-point, six-assist performance in the European North Basketball League
recently showing Jackson’s scoring chops as well.
“I’m
just here to give the team whatever it needs on any given night.” Jackson said.
“I
can score, I can make plays, I can defend and I’ll do whatever Coach needs me
to do to help add wins to the column, and that’s the biggest value I feel I can
add to what is already a great group.
“Having
to leave Leicester last year and the effects of the injury obviously meant I
wasn’t really able to show what I can do or anything like that but I don’t
dwell on the situation too much. I’m the sort of guy who lives in the moment
rather than looking back, and I’m excited to embrace the moment I’m in now.
“I’ve
only been here a couple of weeks but it’s obvious to me already how good this
team is and how good we can be, and I’m excited to contribute to a group of
guys that has a genuine chance to compete for silverware this season.”
Sticking the landing
After
arriving with the Flyers less than two weeks ago at the time or writing,
Jackson has probably had more games than practice sessions with the team since
then, with four games in 10 days so far for Bristol.
Whilst
the 27-year-old is understandably still building chemistry and understanding
with his teammates in high-pressure situations, he admits that being thrust
into the action immediately has had its benefits and discussed how a childhood
friend’s positive words about Bristol eased his transition to his new home.
“I
haven’t had a lot of time to get on the practice floor with the guys so far as
our schedule has been so busy, but at the end of the day players want to play
games and that’s why you train all summer so that when you’re in these
situations you’re ready to go.
“We
want to be in those big moments, those huge games and perform in front of
people, and there’s sometimes no better opportunity to learn about your
teammates than when you’re in the middle of a game with them.
“I’d heard great things from Eric Lockett (former Bristol Flyers forward) about the club and Andreas. Eric and I are childhood friends so I connected with him briefly before making the move, but I could already tell before that, having spoken to Coach, how great a situation this was going to be for me and I’m really pleased to be here and ready to go.”
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