JacksonOld Gold and Black Reporter
Jackson
Few players are more excited about the new, higher-octane version of the Demon Deacon offense than sophomore forward Antonio Jackson.
"Up-tempo suits me better," Jackson said. "Tony (Rutland) is an aggressive guard, and he likes to move.
"Things will be a little more up-beat, and that's better for me."
In his freshman season, Jackson appeared in 19 games, including eight ACC contests, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds while shooting over 52 percent from the field. His best outing came against the Citadel, when he totalled six points and six rebounds. He also grabbed seven rebounds against Marshall.
Jackson has added 10 pounds to his frame during the off-season, and he believes that this addition will help his game.
"It's very important because of the class of players I'm playing with," Jackson said. "I needed more weight to improve my game. In practice, I can tell a difference."
Jackson said that players like junior Tim Duncan and Scooter Banks along with Assistant Coach Russell Turner have been the main influences on his game as a Demon Deacon, especially in the area of improving body strength.
Jackson will share time at power forward, which he says is not his natural position, with junior Sean Allen, who is expected to start. Jackson said that their games are very similar.
"I don't think there's too much difference right now," Jackson said. "He's older and bigger, but that's about all."
For now, Jackson will come off the bench, and he is trying to accustom himself to the role.
"As the season goes on, I'll adjust to that role," Jackson said. "But (against Nancy of France in an exhibition) I couldn't get into the game because of foul trouble."
In the exhibition, Jackson was charged with four fouls in just seven minutes. He hit one-of-two shots for two points and had one rebound.
But Jackson has had time to get into the feel of ACC-caliber competition after a season.
"It's a big jump," Jackson said. "From high school to any college is different."
A first-hand look at the Deacons' run to their first ACC Championship in 32 years was a positive experience for Jackson, but he feels it is also a motivation.
"I'm so competitive that it was a good experience,:" Jackson said. "But because I didn't contribute much in getting there on the court, I didn't feel it was my championship. That's more motivation.
"I know there's great anticipation that we should do as well this year, but there's no added pressure."
Jackson looks to do his part this season as the Deacons seek once again to reach a level of excellence, and he hopes that he will even get his own championship.