Miami Product Jack Picks Up Where He Left Off
Consistency and an ability to sidestep the funks capable of hampering shooters were pivotal factors in Nathanael Jack’s emergence as a 3-point ace at Calusa Prep in Miami. Typically those who shoulder the label of “shooter” are supplementary scorers and role players. Jack’s knack for getting hot in a hurry and ability to spark runs with his shooting catapulted him to the role of featured scorer at Calusa.
Now a freshman at Eastern Florida (JUCO), the 6-foot-4 195-pound Jack is shooting 52 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 10.6 points.
“The speed and attention to detail are the major differences between the game at the high school level and the collegiate level,” said Jack, who scored 18 points on a 6-for-9 clip (4-for-6 3FG) during an 81-57 win over South Georgia Technical College on Nov.10.
“My role on this team is to do everything in my power to help the team win. My shooting and scoring ability is my strength, but I also bring defense and rebounding to help assist the team and get the win. I work hard everyday in the weight room and put in the extra time both before and after practice to ensure that I excel at this higher level of basketball.”
Jack, who has made considerable strides in devoting more attention to defense and rebounding, had such a work ethic instilled in him. Former Calusa Prep coach and local Miami grassroots basketball pioneer Derrick De La Grana helped nurture Jack’s development.
“My experience working with Derrick is everything I expected and more,” said Jack, who is from Canada originally.
“He properly prepared me for the next level and dedicated a lot of extra time to my growth in skill-set and basketball IQ. My confidence is the same all year, doesn’t matter if I’m playing against the number one team in the country or a team that’s not so good. My confidence always remains sky-high and I take the same approach. Consistency is something I strive on. I want to be unbelievably consistent and I feel like at Calusa and at Eastern Florida I have been just that.”
Jack’s confidence blossomed last year, when he began upping his work ethic and devoting more time to his craft. He developed a thirst for the unrequired work after a conversation with Florida basketball guru and scout Scott Golden, who told him he could be the best shooter in the state.
Jack followed with a 40-point outburst during Calusa’s 90-82 victory over Downey Christian (Orlando), seizing the hot hand and never relinquishing it.
“The forty point game was the same as any other game for me, confidence wise I was the same,” Jack recalled. “I just got more open shot attempts and made them. I had to score more that game to help my team win and I did just that.”
If Jack continues to do that will simultaneously adding ball skills and a sturdy driving game, he has the potential to be a major get at the mid-major Division-I level.