It would have been tough to convince anybody last year at this time that Rick Jackson would be picked in the NBA draft. But on the night of the 2011 NBA Draft, it's almost difficult to argue against an NBA team taking advantage of a late 2nd round Jackson draft selection. Jackson, of course, had a breakout senior season, proving losing 20 pounds and leading the Big East in rebounding, field goal percentage and blocks, if nothing else, that he's willing to do anything it takes to continue to improve to get where he wants to go. That is exactly what he tried to do over the past month leading up to the draft as he worked out with a number of NBA teams.

"I'm working on shooting a lot," says Jackson, "because a lot of these drills is really just stepping out there and pick and pop, set shooting, dribbling and handling. I feel like I'm in great shape."

Many mock drafts are pegging him as a late 2nd round pick. SU associate Head Coach Bernie Fine says he thinks the future is bright for the 6-foot-9 240-pound forward.

"Ricky's a very bright kid," says Fine", he graduated in 4 years, got his degree which we're probably more proud of then what he did on the basketball court. Ricky did the student part and had a great year (on the court). I definitely think there's room for improvement. You know, Ricky never missed a game because of injury, he practiced every day whether he was hurt or wasn't hurt, he was a good representative of Syracuse University, and I hope he gets drafted high and has a long NBA career."

Here's a peek at where some of the more popular mock drafts have rick going.

NBAdraft.net- # 45 to New Orleans     

NBA.com- # 50 to Philadelphia    

ESPN's Chad Ford- # 51 to Portland