Jaren Jackson Jr. reacted like many of us who had big plans before the coronavirus pandemic shut much of the world down.
“I was pretty heated honestly. I was just mad,” Jackson said. “I was just not happy about any of it.”
The second-year Grizzlies forward was about to return from a right knee sprain that had kept him out of action for more than two weeks when the season was suddenly put on pause.
“The virus doesn’t really wait on anybody,” Jackson said. “It caught us off guard. It is kind of messing up everybody’s schedule. That is how I am feeling. I am feeling kind of like how y’all are all feeling.”
Since the hiatus began, the 20-year-old said he’s been working out at his parents’ house, where he’s got an elliptical, a treadmill, a bike and a full set of weights. He doesn’t have access to a hoop, however, and said that it’s been a little while since he’s been able to shoot.
Instead, Jackson has focused on watching film, picking up what he can from classic games, including some involving his father, former San Antonio Spurs guard Jaren Jackson Sr. He’s also watched “The Last Dance” documentary, which is available for international users on Netflix, and he’s found plenty of inspiration in Michael Jordan’s game.
“Mentally, nothing fazed M.J. … Nothing is going to stop him from going out there and doing his absolute all to win. I think his mentality is something you have to admire and take away from sure,” Jackson said.
“That chip on your shoulder mentality is something I always had. To have that killer instinct to always be on your game all the time, and never have any doubt in your mind.”
Jackson has also had community on his mind, as the pandemic has affected lives all across the globe. He said his resolve to give back has only been strengthened during this time.
“You are always focused on helping other people. I think my mind has always been there,” Jackson said. “It’s been hard for a lot of people. A lot of lives are changing. A lot of people have loved ones that are dealing with this themselves financially or with their work. It is tough. You definitely want to care for your neighbor and care for the next man, make sure the people around you are good.”
Jackson’s good deeds include helping boost morale for kids stuck at home by helping tip off Jr. NBA At Home. The interactive series includes videos which provide skills and drills to help keep young basketball fans active.
“It was a cool thing to do with them. I think it is just fun. There is a lot of, I won’t say grief, but we are all a little down,” Jackson said. “So good energy. Just spreading good energy and showing the kids what they can do at home. Because when you have to stay at home, it can get a little repetitive. When you are that age, it is tough. I am trying to give them a little something. I like doing stuff like that.
“If I can make one person feel good from something I’ve done, that is cool.”
