Rick Jackson (file photo, SU Athletics)
Rick Jackson is doing everything he can to hear his name called at the NBA Draft on June 23rd, and it'd be extra sweet for SU fans if he ended up with the team he worked out for today.
Jackson worked out for the New York Knicks, who are in dire need of both a big man and a defensive presence and certainly Rick fills both of those needs.
Jackson was joined by five other players and said after the session he was encouraged by his performance.
"I talked to the coaches, and I think I had a good workout, we all had a good workout" said Jackson. He went on to say of his performance "I feel like I'm doing a great job right now, I'm in great shape and I feel like I'm working hard out there with rebounding and trying to be consistent with what I do and show the scouts what I can do."
Certainly, the opportunity to play in SU's home away from home at Madison Square Garden and to reunite with Andy Rautins are things that Jackson loves the idea of potentially doing. "I'm a Knicks fan, I watch the Knicks and I think I can play for the Knicks and help them out.....I mean it would be great just to be back here in the Garden and to play with some Syracuse guys (Rautins and Carmelo Anthony). It would feel like I never left Syracuse just to be down here."
NBADraft.net projects Jackson to be selected in the 2nd round to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks only own one draft pick this year, in the first round at #17, while its unlikely Jackson will be taken in that spot they could make a move to pick him later or sign him in free agency if he's not drafted.
