Indiana Pacers: 5 Players To Consider With 20th Pick

Demetrius Jackson

6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Notre Dame (junior)
2015-16 college stats: 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists.

While a bit shorter than ideal, Notre Dame’s Demetrius Jackson is a long, athletic point guard who is lightning quick.

Jackson was one of the main reasons that the Fighting Irish were able to make a surprising run to the Final Four, averaging 17.8 points in their four tournament games, including 26 points in their loss to North Carolina.

Jackson makes up for his lack of height with a chiseled frame and great athleticism, like a lesser version of Eric Bledsoe.

During his first two years in South Bend, Jackson shot no worse than 41.7 percent on three-pointers before dipping down to 33.1 percent last year.

He possesses really good mechanics on his shot and his last college year would appear to be an outlier on what he can do when shooting the ball.

Jackson is a score-first, pass-second point guard who uses his quicks and explosiveness to create opportunities off the dribble.

The ability to break a defender down and force defensive rotations is as necessary as ever in the NBA and Jackson should be able to do just that at the NBA level.

With a standing vertical of 37.5 inches, Jackson finished the NBA Draft Combine tied for the highest standing vertical leap.

With his athleticism and strength, Jackson was able to finish well at the rim in college despite his size.

With Ty Lawson a free agent after a disappointing season and with last year’s second-round pick Joe Young being unproven, Jackson could see minutes right away as a change-of-pace point guard.

Next: The Mystery Man