When I first saw Trevis Jackson step onto the PBA court last season, I remember thinking, "This kid's got that special something." Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen plenty of promising rookies come and go, but Jackson's debut season with the Altas felt different right from the opening tip-off. His transition from high school phenom with the Perpetual Junior Altas to professional standout wasn't just smooth—it was downright dominant, and frankly, it reminded me why I fell in love with watching young talent develop in the first place.
Let's talk numbers because they tell quite the story. Jackson averaged 12.7 points per game as a rookie—leading his entire team in scoring, which is absolutely remarkable when you consider he was playing against seasoned veterans who've been in the league for years. But what really impressed me wasn't just the scoring; it was how he contributed across the board. Those 5.3 rebounds per game for a guard? That shows hustle and basketball IQ. The 2.7 assists demonstrate his unselfishness, and the 1.2 steals highlight his defensive instincts. These aren't just empty stats—they represent a complete player who understands that winning requires more than just putting the ball in the basket.
I've always believed that the true test of a player's potential isn't just their physical gifts but their mental approach to the game. At 6 feet tall, Jackson has the ideal frame for a combo guard in today's PBA, but what sets him apart is his understanding of when to score and when to create for others. Watching him navigate pick-and-roll situations, I noticed he rarely forces bad shots—something many young players struggle with. Instead, he reads the defense and makes the right play, whether that's pulling up for a jumper, driving to the basket, or finding an open teammate. This maturity in his decision-making is unusual for someone so early in their professional career and suggests we're looking at someone who could develop into a franchise cornerstone.
The transition from high school standout to professional contributor is notoriously difficult, and I've seen many players crumble under the pressure. Jackson faced enormous expectations after his stellar high school career with the Perpetual Junior Altas, where he was clearly the best player on the court most nights. The jump to the PBA is significant—faster pace, stronger defenders, more complex schemes—yet Jackson adapted almost immediately. What I find particularly encouraging is that his efficiency didn't suffer despite the increased competition level. His shooting percentages remained solid, and he actually improved his playmaking numbers compared to his high school days.
From a team-building perspective, Jackson represents exactly what the Altas need—a young, versatile guard who can grow with the franchise. In today's PBA, having a player who can legitimately play both guard positions is incredibly valuable, and Jackson's skill set allows coaches tremendous flexibility in their lineups. I'd argue he's already one of the most promising young guards in the league, and if he continues developing at this rate, we could be talking about an All-Star selection within the next couple of seasons. His 12.7 points per game as a rookie put him in some pretty good company historically, and I wouldn't be surprised to see that number climb to 15 or 16 points this coming season.
What often gets overlooked when discussing Jackson's rookie campaign is his defensive impact. Those 1.2 steals per game don't fully capture his defensive value—he consistently stays in front of his man, understands defensive rotations, and isn't afraid to battle for rebounds against bigger opponents. Defense is typically where young players struggle most when transitioning to the professional level, but Jackson appears to be an exception. I've noticed he takes particular pride in getting stops, which is a mentality that coaches love and that often separates good players from great ones.
Looking ahead, the ceiling for Jackson appears incredibly high. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities at just the start of his professional career suggests we might be witnessing the emergence of the next PBA superstar. The Altas would be wise to build their offense around his versatility, and I'd love to see them add more shooting to the roster to maximize his driving lanes. If Jackson can continue refining his three-point shot and add a bit more strength to finish through contact, he could easily become a 18-20 point per game scorer in this league.
Reflecting on Jackson's rookie season, what stands out most isn't any single game or statistic but rather the consistency of his impact. Night after night, he delivered quality minutes and production, showing a level of reliability that's rare for first-year players. His 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals represent one of the most well-rounded rookie campaigns I've seen in recent PBA history. While it's still early in his career, all signs point toward Jackson developing into one of the league's premier guards. For basketball fans in the Philippines, he's absolutely a player worth watching closely in the coming years—I know I certainly will be.
