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2020 Pirate Player Preview: Mya Jackson

Date: July 15, 2020

By: Jorie Mickens

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Seton Hall Athletics

After being named to the 2019-20 Big East All-Freshman Team, sophomore Mya Jackson looks to be the starting shooting guard for the Pirates this year.

Despite starting just five games, Jackson scored in double-digits on 13 separate occasions last season. Jackson was also third in the Big East in three-point percentage, shooting 40 percent from downtown.

Jackson showcased her tremendous shooting touch from the jump last year. In the Pirates’ very first game against Sacred Heart, in 16 minutes, Jackson scored 16 points, knocking down four three’s in the process.

Nearly a month later, Jackson erupted for 21 points on 8/12 shooting against the then, fourth-ranked UConn Huskies. Perhaps her most notable performance though, on the final day of 2019, Jackson dropped in seven three-pointers in an 83-61 win over Xavier in her home state of Ohio. Jackson’s seven three’s ranked second for the most three’s in a game by a BIG EAST player last season, trailing only Creighton’s Jaylen Agnew who had eight in a game against Georgetown.

Jackson took 87 less three’s than senior Alexis Lewis last season, but with Lewis no longer on the roster, Jackson will likely be Seton Hall’s primary outside shooting threat this year. More three’s will inevitably equate to a lower three-point shooting percentage. But if Jackson takes around 200 three-pointers this season, and shoots about 36.5 percent from deep, she will still be one of the most feared sharpshooters in the Big East.

One area of Jackson’s offensive game she will need to improve on is her free throw shooting. Great three-point shooters normally translate that efficiency to the charity stripe, like Lewis, who was an 87 percent free throw shooter last season. But Jackson shot just 61 percent from the line on 31 attempts last year. As competitive as the Big East will be this season, it is not unreasonable to believe the Pirates could find themselves in many close games. Leaving points at the line, especially in the clutch, could prove costly for this team.

Another area Jackson will need to improve on is her three-level scoring. We know Jackson can light it up from three, and she occasionally showcased an array of pull-up jumpers and smooth layups last season. But as she becomes more of a focal point on offense, opposing teams will constantly be trying to run her off the three-point line. Becoming more of an effective scorer in every area of the court will not only benefit Jackson, but the entire team, as well.

One easy way Jackson can become a more versatile scorer is working on an effective pump fake. Having a convincing pump fake will keep defenders honest as they are forced to close the gap between a ballhandler and contest a potential shot. When the defender leaves their feet, Jackson will either have a better look at the basket from where she was originally standing, or she can drive to the basket and force help defenders to collapse on her.

At this point in her attack, being a potent facilitator would also be beneficiary to Jackson’s offensive game. In general, good ball movement either breaks down a zone defense or tires out a man defense. If Jackson becomes more comfortable with the ball in her hands, and starts setting up teammates for easy scores, Jackson could be one of the most complete offensive players in the conference.

The Pirates lost a lot of height at the wing position this offseason, as Lewis and fellow senior Barbara Johnson graduated this past year. Seton Hall did pick up players like freshman guards Amari Wright and Britany Range, and junior transfer Curtessia Dean to recoup some of that size. But the Pirates’ coaching staff will likely defer to the more tenured player in Jackson for a starting wing spot.

Jackson, who stands at 5-foot-7-inches, playing alongside point guard Lauren Park-Lane could be detrimental in Seton Hall’s efforts to defend opposing backcourts. But Jackson was one of the most active defenders for the Pirates last season, and she can hold her own with just about anyone in the conference.

Jackson is already great at reading and disrupting passing lanes, as well as maintaining a good defensive stance in front of opposing ballhandlers. Jackson only averaged .8 steals-per-game last year, but her intensity on the defensive side of the floor continuously caused her opponents to move the ball or pick up their dribble.

Jackson will need to limit her personal fouls this season though. In 27 games last year, she was fourth on the team in personal fouls. Being more disciplined on defense, particularly not picking up reach-in fouls, will ensure Jackson does not find herself in foul trouble during games throughout the season.

Lastly, Jackson being an active rebounder will be vital to Seton Hall’s success this season. The Pirates lost four of their top five rebounders from last year, so Jackson and her teammates will need to find a way to replicate what the Pirates did last season: rank second in the Big East in rebounding margin. Following her shot attempts could warrant Jackson easy second-chance scores, and outworking her opponents on the defensive side of the floor will grant the Pirates plenty of fast break opportunities.

For the most part, Jackson already had her breakout campaign last year. After a long offseason, if Jackson can fine tune these parts of her game, there is every reason to believe she will be selected to an All-Big East Team at the end of the season.

Jorie Mickens is an Assistant Sports Director for WSOU Sports, and can be reached at jorie.mickens@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, Women's Basketball, WSOU

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