Helena Frye
Will Turtle Jackson is an American basketball player who was born on March 28, 1995. Jackson played basketball for the Homeschool Christian Youth Association (HCYA) and later for Athens Christian School. He then went on to play college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2015 to 2017, winning an NCAA championship with them in 2017. In the same year, Jackson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA draft but was traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night. As of 2023, Jackson has played for several NBA teams, including the Kings, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Boston Celtics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Jackson |
| Nickname | Turtle |
| Origin of Nickname | A nurse in upstate New York referred to him as a turtle on an ultrasound |
| Height | 6-foot-4 |
| Weight | 175 pounds |
| Ranking | 34th overall and as a four-star recruit by Scout.com |
| Position Ranking | 21st by ESPN |
| School | Athens Christian School, Georgia |
| Commitment | Switched from Connecticut to Georgia |
| Coach | Ron Link |
| Points per Game | 27 |
| Shooting Percentage | 45.6% |
| Year of Commitment Switch | 2014 |
| Age | 15 in 2013 |
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What You'll Learn
Will 'Turtle' Jackson's switch from UConn to UGA
Will "Turtle" Jackson is a basketball player who gained the nickname "Turtle" from his mother when she was having an ultrasound. Jackson is a 6-foot-4, 175-pound point guard who was ranked 34th overall and as a four-star recruit by Scout.com. He was also ranked 21st at his position by ESPN.
In February 2014, Jackson committed to the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, who had just won a national title in April. However, in July of the same year, Jackson decommitted from UConn and committed to the University of Georgia (UGA). Jackson cited the large number of guards that UConn was recruiting as his reason for switching, stating that "it just isn't the right place for me in the future." He also mentioned that Georgia was his home and would provide an easier transition for him.
Jackson's decision to switch commitments was influenced by UGA coaches Mark Fox and Jonas Hayes, who played a big role in his decision-making process. Fox, in particular, had been persistent in his recruitment of Jackson, even before Jackson committed to UConn. Jackson's proximity to the UGA campus also allowed the coaches to attend many of his games and get to know his family, which was something that UConn, being farther away, could not offer.
With his commitment to UGA, Jackson became the first recruit for the university's 2015 class.
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Jackson's leadership and scoring threat for Athens Christian boys basketball
Will "Turtle" Jackson is a talented basketball player who has demonstrated leadership and scoring prowess as part of the Athens Christian boys basketball team. Standing at 6 feet and 4 or 5 inches tall, Jackson is an exceptional athlete with a natural talent for the sport.
Jackson's leadership skills are evident in the way he encourages and motivates his teammates. Even when he is facing challenges, such as foul trouble, Jackson remains dedicated to his team's success, cheering on his fellow players and pushing them to step up their game. His high numbers and high motor performance draw extra attention from opposing defences, often resulting in double teams. Despite this, Jackson maintains his focus and continues to excel, averaging an impressive 27 points per game while shooting 45.6% from the field.
Jackson's dedication to the sport is also evident in his work ethic. He has been training daily with his father since he was 6 years old, constantly striving to improve his skills. This commitment to improvement is further demonstrated by his early-morning workouts, where he shoots around with his dad and reflects on his dedication to the sport.
Jackson's leadership and scoring abilities have not gone unnoticed by coaches and recruiters. Athens Christian coach Ron Link described Jackson as an "explosive and exciting" player, comparing him to Atlanta Hawks guard Louis Williams. Jackson's performance caught the attention of colleges, leading him to commit to the University of Georgia (UGA) and later switch to the University of Connecticut (UConn). However, he ultimately decided to play for UGA, citing the support and persistence of coach Mark Fox as a deciding factor.
Jackson's impact on the court is undeniable, and his leadership and scoring abilities make him a key contributor to the success of the Athens Christian boys basketball team. With his talent, dedication, and unwavering work ethic, Jackson is poised to achieve even greater accomplishments in the world of basketball.
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Jackson's family and their support
William "Turtle" Jackson is a talented basketball player who has been playing since high school. He has played for the Athens Christian boys basketball team and has been described as a "super young man with a great family" by his coach, Ron Link. Jackson's family has been supportive of his basketball career, with his father, William, and mother, Lorry, often fielding questions about their son's performance and future prospects.
Jackson's father has been particularly involved in his training, working with him daily since he was six years old. The family's proximity to the University of Georgia (UGA) and the support of the coaches there also influenced Jackson's decision to switch his commitment from the University of Connecticut (UConn) to UGA.
Jackson's mother, Lorry, has also been a constant presence, acknowledging the importance of the family's proximity to the school and the ability for Jackson to spend time with the coaches and team. She has been a supportive presence at his games and throughout his recruiting process.
The family's support has extended beyond Jackson's immediate relatives, as family friend Shun Williams of OnTheRadarHoops.com has also been involved. The collective support of Jackson's family and friends has contributed to his success and development as a basketball player, with his hard work and dedication serving as a foundation for his athletic career.
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Jackson's confidence and experience
Will "Turtle" Jackson is a basketball player who has demonstrated confidence and experience throughout his career. He has been described as a "standout" player on the Athens Christian boys basketball team, with his coach, Ron Link, praising his explosive and exciting playing style. Jackson's confidence and experience were evident in his ability to lead and motivate his teammates, even when he was not on the court.
Overall, Will "Turtle" Jackson's confidence and experience as a basketball player were evident in his leadership skills, both on and off the court. He possessed the ability to motivate and encourage his teammates, navigate challenges, and set ambitious goals for himself and his team. Jackson's confidence grew as he gained experience, and he utilized that confidence to mentor and guide those around him. His personal experiences and strong support system contributed to his resilience and dedication to the sport, showcasing his maturity and growth as a player.
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Jackson's commitment to Georgia
Will "Turtle" Jackson, a rising senior and a 6-foot-4, 175-pound point guard, decommitted from the University of Connecticut and committed to the University of Georgia in 2014. Jackson is an Athens native who plays for Athens Christian and is Georgia's first commitment for 2015.
Jackson's decision to commit to Georgia was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the persistence of Georgia coach Mark Fox played a significant role. Fox began watching Jackson's games when he was in the eighth grade and developed a strong relationship with Jackson and his family. Even after Jackson initially committed to UConn, Fox continued to show his support and provide constructive feedback, which Jackson valued.
Additionally, Jackson felt a strong connection to Georgia due to it being his home state. He appreciated the idea of staying close to home, allowing his family and friends to easily watch him play and continue his workouts with his father, who has trained him daily since he was six years old. Jackson also wanted to contribute to the Georgia Bulldogs' basketball program and help elevate its reputation, as it was known more for its football team.
Jackson's exceptional talent on the court is evident, with Athens Christian coach Ron Link describing him as "explosive and exciting to watch." Jackson's leadership qualities and high numbers drew extra attention from opposing defenses, and he was ranked 34th overall and as a four-star recruit by Scout.com. Jackson's commitment to Georgia marks the start of a new chapter, where he intends to dedicate himself to his basketball career and make a meaningful impact on the team.
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Frequently asked questions
Will "Turtle" Jackson is a 6-foot-4 point guard.
Will "Turtle" Jackson signed with the University of Georgia Bulldogs basketball team.
Will "Turtle" Jackson attended Athens Christian School in Georgia.
