65 Teams in 65 Days: #65 Jackson State

Over the next 65 days, I’ll be introducing you to the 65 teams I predict will be in the NCAA Tournament next March. These are ranked from the 65th best team to the first. With no further ado: Jackson State.

 

Location: Jackson, MS
Nickname: Tigers
Conference: SWAC
Last Year’s Record: 18-15

 

Why They'll Make It

The Tigers enter the season with nine upperclassmen, including rising seniors Grant Maxey and Garrison Johnson.

Maxey was second in the SWAC in scoring last season and is poised to take more of the scoring load with the departure of Darrion Griffin. With the slashing of Johnson and the arrival of the highly-touted Christian Williams as legitimate secondary scoring options, the Tigers may have the most potent trio of scorers in the SWAC.

Head coach Tevester Anderson has been in this position before, and after being on the cusp of success last year, expect him to lead the Tigers to the Big Dance.

 

Why They Won’t Make It

The Tigers must be a more efficient team offensively.

They shot less than 44% from the field, less than 27% from behind the arc, and turned the ball over more than their opponents. This team has a lot of talent returning and a lot of talent entering the program.

If they can play more efficiently, not only will they make the tournament, but they might actually keep the SWAC out of the play in game.