BIG EAST TOP POINT GUARDS 2008-2009: 6) TORY JACKSON

November 5, 2008


The true point guard that sets the tone offensively and defensively seems to be a lost art, it definitely is an under-appreciated art, in today's game. Most people judge, on paper, effectiveness by points scored, but there is something to the point guard that quarterbacks a successful team.

It comes as no surprise that Notre Dame has such a point guard. Adding winning into the equation, and Tory Jackson ranks very high among the top point guards in college basketball. How is this for an impressive stat, the Irish have not lost a home conference game with Tory Jackson as their starting point guard in two seasons!

While others will generate more attention from NBA scouts for their ability to hit three-point bombs and score with highlight reel drives to the basket, Jackson is a throwback to the days when the floor general was just that, the director of the attack on the court. Jackson controls the tempo on offense, locks down the opposition on defense and gets his share of assists and rebounds.

How is this for impressive, in a three-game stretch last season against Connecticut, Rutgers and Pittsburgh, Jackson, who stands just 5-foot-10, averaged 15 points, 6 assists and 10 (yes, TEN) rebounds a game! For the season, Jackson averaged 5.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds.

Jackson may never get the proper attention and credit he deserves because he will never score with the likes of others from the point guard position, but to his credit, he understands that. We have seen many a team excel and increase their college basketball odds of March Madness success by having just such a point guard. Afterall, someone needs to feed Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney consistently, and Tory Jackson is that kind of point guard and holds a special spot in the NBE Basketball Report staff rankings of top point guards in the Big East.