From Lone Peak High School to Duke University and now to the NBA — Frank Jackson's last few years have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Jackson was selected by the Charlotte Hornets during Thursday's NBA draft with the No. 31 pick and was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans shortly thereafter. Jackson is a 6-foot-3 combo guard who averaged 10.9 points for Duke as a freshman.
Rather than return to Duke, the former Deseret News Mr. Basketball opted to give the NBA a try, believing the pro game suited his game better than the collegiate one.
"I loved my time at Duke, but began to see the opportunity of fulfilling my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA very much a reality, so I took it," Jackson said. "I feel the style of the NBA, with how they run ball screens and pick-and-roll situations suits who I am as a player and my strengths. I just fell like I'm ready."
NBA teams agreed with Jackson's assessment — particularly the Pelicans, who gave up the No. 40 pick and some cash to move up in the draft and select the former Lone Peak star.
For Jackson, the opportunity to play for the Pelicans feels a bit surreal, along with most everything involved with his fast and impressive rise as a prospect.
"It's just amazing to have this opportunity," Jackson said. "I didn't anticipate leaving Duke early at all throughout the year, but after thinking things over, and talking with people, I came to realize my time was now and I went for it."
Exceeding projections has been something Jackson has made a habit of for a while now, according to his father, Alvin Jackson.
"He went to national camps when he was in high school and rose to the occasion and he did it again at Duke," Alvin said. "We didn't really think leaving early was a consideration until we started to look into it and he really finished the season strong. He then went to the draft combine and blew it up. After that it totally made sense and he went for it."
Frank Jackson wasn't able to work out for NBA teams prior to the draft due to a foot injury, although the injury is considered somewhat minor and shouldn't limit him after reporting to the Pelicans.
When he does begin workouts, Frank understands it will be a big jump for him involving different challenges, but feels up to it.
"I feel I'm ready and I'm just so fortunate to be at the place I'm at with the opportunities I now have," Frank said. "There's so many people to thank — from my family to Coach (Dave) Evans (Lone Peak coach), Coach (Tim) Davis, who coached me in AAU, Coach (Mike Krzyzewski.) All of them played a big part in my development and helping me arrive to where I'm at today. It feels amazing and I now I just want to get down to work. It's absolutely a dream right now and I aim to not let my opportunity go to waste."
For Alvin, he's proud of his son, while believing Frank understands the challenges ahead.
"It's been a hard process and people on the outside looking in may think he's an entitled, spoiled kid who gets everything, and that's nowhere near the truth," he said. "Nothing's been handed to him and he's put in the work. Leaving the bubble in Utah to go to Duke wasn't easy, but he knows that the hardest path often bears the sweetest fruit. Going to the NBA now will be the hardest thing he's done yet, but he's ready for the challenge. He's mentally and physically ready to go and I couldn't be more proud of him."