Kansas’ freshman Josh Jackson delivers a crucial block early in their 2nd round matchup with Michigan State.
Josh Jackson delivered the block heard around Tulsa. The Kansas Jayhawk freshman has been a star so far in this year’s installment of March Madness, and today in their highly anticipated 2nd round matchup against 9th seeded Michigan State, he delivered one of the plays of the tournament.
With the game just getting started, and the Spartans holding an early lead, Kansas guard Frankl Mason III missed a tough baseline jumper that was rebounded my Michigan State. With the Spartans pushing the ball up the floor, it seemed like the boys from Lansing was going to expand their 3-2 lead and try to put their foot on the necks of the Jayhawks early on.
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But in came Josh Jackson like Superman, who was more than ready to save the day for Kansas. When Michigan State guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. charged to the rim for what seemed like an easy layup., Jackson tapped into his inner LeBron, soared to the rim, and swatted away what looked like a sure two points.
.@KUHoops freshman Josh Jackson with the electric block! pic.twitter.com/8GPLQE3DWI
"— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 19, 2017"
Watch the video again and tell us that wasn’t a vicious block.
In the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, every play and every moment matter. There are some players that understand the stage, and others that don’t. Jackson understands the stage, and he knows that the Spartans can’t afford to gain any early momentum as they are well-known for turning early momentum into runs that could easily bury the Jayhawks in an avalanche of points.
That’s why Jackson’s block was so crucial for the Jayhawks. With Kansas missing early shots, they had to turn to defense to try to stem the tied. In came Jackson with his Superman cape, and just like the Man of Steel, he quickly saved the day.