This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It seems surreal for Frank Jackson.
Jackson stopped and looked around while casually shooting baskets at Lifetime Fitness earlier this week, protecting his surgically repaired foot in the process. He laughed with a few of his close friends as they engaged in a game of one-on-one knockout. He talked hoops with those who just had played in the lunchtime pickup games and resembled the typical teenager.
But Jackson hardly is typical anymore. He's grown up now, whether he likes it or not.
"It feels crazy," Jackson said. "It still hasn't hit me. That's why I want to spend this time hanging out with my boys and working out."
Jackson was finishing up his AAU career at this time two years ago, touring the country in all-star games and preparing for a senior season at Lone Peak High that would culminate in him securing a coveted spot in the McDonald's High School All-American game.
Now he's a week from packing up and leaving for New Orleans. He's an NBA player now, having been drafted by the Charlotte Hornets early in the second round then traded to the Pelicans. He's the first one-and-done prospect born in Utah since Shawn Bradley, who played an initial season at BYU, served an LDS church mission and entered the 1993 draft upon his return.
Jackson is less than three months removed from his 19th birthday. But he says he's ready for the adult world that is the NBA. Two years ago, it was Lone Peak. Last season, it was a stint with Duke and the Blue Devils. Now Jackson's teammates will be players like DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.
"The journey's been good so far," Jackson said. "I think I've been extremely fortunate to be on this path. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. I thought I was as good or better than a lot of the players in the draft. I learned a lot at Duke. I grew up a lot being away from home. At the end of the day, I felt like I was comfortable making the jump."
Jackson wasn't supposed to be a one-and-done. Sure, his high school accolades fit the description. He was one of the top 10 prep players in the country. He was a co-MVP of the McDonald's game, along with Josh Jackson. He was considered one of the best point guards in America.
But Jackson's time at Duke was far from smooth. He started 16 games and averaged 10.9 points. He played better as the season progressed, but the year was an adjustment process.
Jackson always had the ball in his hands and was one of the top offensive options in high school. With the Blue Devils, guys like Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen enjoyed high usage. In many ways, it represented a typical adjustment for a college freshman. The upperclassmen get the shots while the rookie fights for the scraps. Jackson showed potential. But he almost universally was expected to return to Duke for his sophomore year.
"It taught me a lot," Jackson said. "I'll always be happy that I picked Duke because I got a lot better on and off the court."
Jackson began to think about putting his name in the draft shortly after the season ended. He thought about his skillset, his ability to run pick and roll and finish at the rim. He thought it would be perfect for the league.
"We thought he was a guy who would be better as a pro than he was as a college player," Jackson's agent, Stephen Pina, said. "That and he comes from a great family, and he is a mature and respectful kid. We always thought he had a chance to go higher in the draft than a lot of people thought he did."
Jackson's first challenge was the pre-draft combine, held in Chicago in May. He measured out as one of the best athletes in attendance. He was one of the best players, along with former Utah Ute Kyle Kuzma, on the court in his first scrimmage.
He knew he was ready.
"It opened my eyes," Jackson said. "It told me I was ready to compete at that level. I think everyone was nervous going in, but the NBA is a pick and roll game, and that's what I love to do."
Jackson underwent surgery a few weeks later.
The stress fracture in his foot had been bothering him for some time. After the combine, he and his family knew something had to be done, so he underwent the procedure in late May.
It was tricky for Jackson. Sure, he had a good showing at the combine, but he missed almost all of the workout season. So he had to trust that teams liked him enough to overlook the injury. He knew his stock could have dropped significantly.
But New Orleans always liked him and envisioned him being able to play both guard positions. When it had the chance to trade for him, it jumped.
"I think we couldn't be happier how things have turned out so far," Jackson's father, Al, said. "But Frank knows this is just the beginning. What happens from now depends on how hard he works."
Jackson is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. More importantly — and this is atypical for a second-round draft pick — Jackson's rookie contract looks much like one a first rounder would garner. His first two years are guaranteed, and he'll have the chance to be on his second contract before most of his fellow draft class.
From Lone Peak to Duke.
From Duke to the NBA.
"To be honest, I just want to get there and put the work in," Jackson said. "I would love to try and be a rotation player early. My goal is to get minutes, but I also know there is a developing side. I just want to play as hard as I can."
Twitter: @tribjazz —
Frank Jackson
• Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
• Missed summer league while recovering from foot surgery.
• Played at Duke for one season, eventually earning the starting point guard job. He was one of three Blue Devil players to be drafted, along with Luke Kennard and Harry Giles.
• Played in the McDonald's All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic as a senior.