Pelicans’ Jackson To Have Large Cheering Section At Jazz Game

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It was a big homecoming for New Orleans Pelicans guard Frank Jackson.

Prior to playing a year at Duke and becoming a second-round NBA Draft pick, Jackson starred at Lone Peak High School.

As a high schooler in Utah, Jackson became a big-time name, especially with college coaches. After leaving Lone Peak for Duke as a 5-star recruit in 2016, Jackson finally returned to the Beehive State on Monday, this time as a NBA player.

Frank Jackson is too smooth with it! 🤧#doitBIG pic.twitter.com/VQ2J5WQVWo

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 3, 2019

Jackson was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA 2017 Draft and immediately traded to New Orleans. Most likely, he would have made his Utah-debut as a pro last season, but missed his entire first year due to a foot injury and subsequent surgery.

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He was in the arena last year when the Pelicans came to town, but Monday’s game was the first that Jackson was able to play in his home state.

“It’s awesome,” said Jackson earlier in the day after shootaround. “I’m super excited. I’ve been looking forward to this game for a while. I got a bunch of family and friends that are coming out. So to play in front of them will be fun.”

Frank Jackson’s custom Nike Kyrie lows! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/Mg4sFGfDsb

— NBA KICKS (@NBAKicks) February 28, 2019

Jackson continued to state that he expected to have over 100 family and friends in the crowd.

“I grew up here, so I know a lot of people,” explained Jackson.

This year, his official rookie year, Jackson has made 50 appearances and seven starts for the Pelicans. He’s averaging 6.4 points on 42.8 shooting. More than anything else, he’s gained valuable experience by playing behind one of the league’s least-recognized stars in Jrue Holiday.