AMHERST — Four months ago, it seemed like C.J. Jackson would be a name more people around Amherst would know.
When UMass was set to depart to the U.S. Virgin Islands in August for its international tour, Jackson was slated to be a contributor for the Minutemen. He showcased his offensive potential in the Minutemen’s games in the Virgin Islands and was well on his way to earning a spot in coach Matt McCall’s rotation this season. But then the freshman from Atlanta got hurt.
All of a sudden, he was passed on the depth chart and his spot in the rotation became less secure. By the time he returned, it was an uphill climb for Jackson to see the floor, and he played just eight total minutes in UMass’ first 11 games of the season. But he was needed Friday against Maine with UMass short-handed due to injuries, and the freshman scored 10 points and was credited with three steals in 24 minutes of the Minutmen’s 74-53 triumph.
“C.J. has been through a lot since he’s been here,” McCall said. “He played great down in the Virgin Islands and then he got hurt and he was out for awhile there where some guys went past him. He had some freshman struggles and I’m sure there were some nights in the dorm where it was difficult for him where guys were playing and he’s not. The one thing I’ll say about C.J. that I’m proud of him for is his attitude has still been good every day. He knew he was going to get his opportunity, he had two great practices leading up to this game and he made the most of it.”
The one knock against Jackson when he arrived at UMass was that he wasn’t a good enough defender, something he readily admitted postgame Friday. He said he arrived focused on his offense and the coaching staff kept telling him to worry about his defense and the offense would come around. When he did enter games earlier this year, his defense clearly lagged behind his offensive talent.
In the last week, though, Jackson said his attitude changed and he started to commit more to defense, especially in practice. McCall said Jackson had two strong practices leading into the game against the Black Bears, and that effort paid off. Jackson sparked the Minutemen with his energy on both ends of the floor, and he had several close calls that would have given him more than the three steals with which he was credited.
“The coaches have just been preaching the same thing every day in practice, and I’ve seen it come together,” Jackson said. “Getting steals, taking charges, things like that, it was good to see it translate into the game.”
KEON PROTECTS THE ROCK — Redshirt junior guard Keon Clergeot tied his career high with seven assists in the victory. UMass’ secondary point guard also had just one turnover – an errant pass near the sideline in Jackson’s direction – and kept his composure against Maine’s pressure late in the second half.
It was an important step for Clergeot, who has struggled at times running the offense this season, but kept the Minutemen in motion when directing the flow Friday. McCall said he was happy with the 13 combined assists between Clergeot and starting point guard Sean East, but even more proud of Clergeot’s selfless attitude this season.
“Keon’s not wrapped up in scoring, he’s not wrapped up in his numbers, Keon has been all about our team,” McCall said. “He made the right play, he didn’t try to force anything and he’s unselfish and we need that.”
HOCKEY EAST DOMINANCE — McCall is now 9-0 in his UMass career against schools that are members of Hockey East. The third-year coach has three wins over UMass-Lowell, two wins over Maine and Providence, as well as wins over New Hampshire and Northeastern.
HONORING THE HURRICANES — UMass honored the Amherst Regional football team at center court during a first-half media timeout. The state Division 5 finalists were met with a loud applause as their accomplishments were read over the public address system.