Isaiah Jackson understands why he needs to avoid foul trouble and that UK is better when he's on the court. (SEC Photo)
You don’t have to be a Basketball Benny that Kentucky coach John Calipari refers to so often to know that UK is a lot better team this year when freshman Isaiah Jackson is on the court. He is averaging 8.3 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds per game. He also leads UK in blocked shots with 62 and is shooting 53.7 percent from the field. However, he’s fouled out of five games and often been in foul trouble.
“I’m very aware of that. I’ve been watching a lot of film because, when I’m out there playing –- I’m not trying to be rude or anything –- I’m sort of playing like I don’t care,” Jackson said.
“When I’m in the game, I don’t really know what I’m doing fouling and stuff, but I’ve been watching a lot of film and I can see the stuff that I’ve been doing. I’m trying to fix it.”
He’s trying to pay attention to what Calipari has told him about it being okay to give up a basket at times.
“Sometimes it’s better to contest it but don’t try to go after it and just let them score because I know the team needs me and I know I need them. So, I’m going to try to be on the court as much I can and try to limit foul trouble,” Jackson said.
Jackson admitted he was not exactly sure how to balance giving maximum effort but not fouling to make him leave the game.
“I know that’s something I can start practicing now, trying to lower my speed and my motor and stuff like that, not trying to get in foul trouble. That’s something I’m trying to figure out and grow upon. I’m just going to keep going,” Jackson said.
