2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Safest Prospects

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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Jan 9, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) dribbles in the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Purcell Pavilion. Pittsburgh won 86-82. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Position: Point Guard
Age: 21 (9/7/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’1.75″, 194 pounds, 6’5.5″
Slash Line: .451/.331/.813
Season Averages: 36.0 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 3PM

Notre Dame Fighting Irish point guard Demetrius Jackson doesn’t have an individual talent to keep himself employed. Thus, it’s easy to understand why some might believe he shouldn’t be on this list.

The reality is, Jackson is an elite athlete who does everything at an average level or better—and that’s a safe sell.

Jackson is a solid facilitator who takes care of the ball, can space the floor, and defends at a respectable level. He’s not afraid of taking the big shot, is a respected leader on the court, and has played full seasons as both on and and off-ball scorer.

Jackson may never become a star at the next level, but he has every tool necessary to thrive as a third guard.

Jackson isn’t well-rounded prospect; amongst point guards, he may be the best athlete in this draft class. He recorded an absurd 43.5-inch max vertical leap at the 2016 NBA Draft Combine, has a 6’6″ wingspan, and is built like a 194-pound tank.

Jackson may need to polish his skills, but as an explosive athlete who lacks a defining flaw, he’s a safe bet to make it in the NBA.

Next: Raw Tenacity

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