HOUSTON — Decked out in his NCAA Championship garb, a piece of the net tied onto his hat, UConn men’s basketball co-captain Andre Jackson captured the hearts of UConn Nation one more time.
Jackson was one of the main cogs in head coach Dan Hurley’s “big three” who were designated as leaders before the construction of the 2022-23 roster began, and played a key role in creating a family atmosphere within the locker room.
On the court, his otherworldly playmaking ability made it difficult for eyes to stray off of him.
“I’m a team player and I know that,” Jackson said after helping the Huskies win national title No. 5 on Monday night. “Teams win championships, so I always loved that I could accomplish something without having it be totally about me. And that’s just something that’s beautiful about being a champion is that you got a bunch of other guys that can experience it with you.”
Jackson posted a team-high six assists in the 76-59 win over San Diego State and only had to make one shot from the field to have an impact.
A junior, Jackson has been on the minds of NBA scouts for his defensive and playmaking ability, but his main focus has been Connecticut, all season and especially Monday night.
“I was a two-time champion in high school, and now to do this on this level — that was my goal, to be a champion at every level I went to. I’ve been a champion when I was super young, I went to high school and I was a champion and now I’m in college and I’m a champion,” he said. “I just want to hopefully get another one while I’m here, then if I end up making it past this – I hope I will, I think I will – I’m gonna strive for championships there as well. I think that’s just my mindset.”
Jackson still has until June 1 to decide if he wants to declare for the NBA Draft.
“Only way I’m not coming back is if Coach tells me to leave,” Jackson assured Monday night.
As far as winning another title, Jackson is not satisfied with one and neither is his coach Hurley.
“I feel like Coach Hurley is one of the best coaches in college basketball,” Jackson said. “Young and hungry dude with a great coaching staff so I wouldn’t be surprised if we make it back here. He’s a guy that’s gonna work is work his tail off to get back here, he’s not satisfied with this… Shoot, give us about a month and a half he’s gonna have us in there working.”
In the early odds released soon after Monday’s game, UConn is the favorite to repeat as national champion. Hurley and his staff have one of the top recruiting classes coming in with a “Fab Five” headlined by All-American Stephon Castle.
“They’re supposed to be big time,” Jackson said.
