Josh Jackson chases down Monte Morris for big block (Video)
By Chris Stone
In the first half of the Jayhawks’ matchup with Iowa State, Josh Jackson threw a pass away to Monte Morris giving the point guard a fast break…
There are few plays in basketball more disrespectful than a chase-down block in transition. Sure, there’s dunking on someone and breaking a defender’s ankles on offense, but the chase-down block is almost always unexpected; a brutal and forceful display of dominance.
Kansas’ Josh Jackson has been one of the lone bright spots of its interior defense this season and he showed why on Monday night introducing himself to the Big 12’s Preseason Player of the Year.
In the first half of the Jayhawks’ matchup with Iowa State, Jackson threw a pass away to Monte Morris giving the point guard a fast break opportunity and seemingly easy layup. That is, before the star freshman ran him down with a block that would make Andre Iguodala cringe:
https://twitter.com/TheDuffelBag_/status/821186421750923264
The play emphasizes just about everything to love and hate about Jackson’s game at this moment. His inability to shoot on offense can force him into some awkward situations in the paint where he’s forced to make tough passes, but his athleticism and explosiveness can help him cover up his mistakes.
Jackson started the game off by committing a pair of fouls before the 11-minute mark, but Kansas head coach Bill Self was forced to re-introduce him into the game given Iowa State’s lack of big men. Jackson rewarded Self with the above block, four points, an assist and a rebound.
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At halftime, the Jayhawks lead the Cyclones, 43-37, in a hotly contested contest that could have massive ramifications for the Big 12 title race.