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UNC Basketball: Justin Jackson 2016-17 season review

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) brings the ball up court against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Manuale Watkins (21) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) brings the ball up court against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Manuale Watkins (21) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Jackson had a terrific junior season, reminding everyone why he arrived at North Carolina as a five-star prospect and McDonald’s All-American

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Although Justin Jackson was an integral part of the North Carolina basketball team during his first two seasons in Chapel Hill, he struggled mightily to find the shooting touch that helped make him a five-star prospect and McDonald’s All-American.

After shooting a combined 29 percent from three-point range in his first two seasons with the Tar Heels, Jackson worked tirelessly in the gym to perfect his mechanics and increase his efficiency from long distance.

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots against Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots against Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Apparently, it worked.

Jackson, on the way to winning ACC Player of the Year, hit 37 percent of his three-point attempts, breaking a 20-year-old record held by UNC great, Shammond Williams. Williams previously held the record for most three-point makes in a season with 95 before Jackson hit 105 treys this season.

Not only that, but Jackson also had career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and free-throw shooting percentage.

For the season, he averaged 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists while leading the Tar Heels to an ACC regular season championship and NCAA Tournament championship.

So what more does Jackson have to prove in Chapel Hill? Not much.

After a decorated season in which the junior wing finished on top of the college basketball world, he declared for the NBA Draft. And this time, he isn’t just testing the waters.

And really, who could blame him?

Jackson possesses all the tools that he needs to be a successful professional basketball player, what with his 6-foot-8, 210-pound frame, deadly touch from mid-range and increasingly effective shot from beyond the three-point line.

Related Story: Roy Williams' all-time Carolina team

We wish Jackson luck in the NBA and celebrate his legacy at the University of North Carolina with his jersey in the rafters of the Smith Center and fond memories of the 2017 North Carolina Tar Heels.

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