Phoenix Suns sign fourth overall pick Josh Jackson

The Phoenix Suns announced Monday they have signed fourth overall pick Josh Jackson.

Suns sign @j_josh11, the team’s selection with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2017 @NBA Draft. https://t.co/A7ItVfNxIo pic.twitter.com/PA3rj3T0z8

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 3, 2017

Jackson quickly established his work ethic when speaking to the media after being drafted.

“I don’t think the other guys in this draft really care as much as I do. I don’t think they play as hard as I do, period. I think that’s what really makes me special. I refuse to fail, period,” he said.

The 20-year-old averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists as a freshman at Kansas. He shot 51 percent overall and, despite a questionable jump shot, 38 percent from three-point range. Jackson struggled at the foul line, hitting just 57 percent there.

Jackson addressed his off-the-court incidents as an official member of the Suns as well.

“I don’t think it really represents who I am. You know, I made a mistake that day. I did. I admitted to it from day one when it was brought up. I think the whole situation was really blown out of proportion, just because I am who I am,” Jackson said, referring to character concerns.

“Everyone who I’ve talked to about it, they know exactly what happened that day. There was nothing that—it wasn’t what it was made out to be. It wasn’t as bad as everybody made it out to be. But I have owned up to the mistake I made and I accept the responsibility for it from day one.”

Jackson will make his debut with the Suns in the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League. The Suns begin play on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against the Sacramento Kings.

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