OF all the encouraging signs to come out of Illawarra’s win over Brisbane on Saturday, coach Rob Beveridge was particularly pleased with the performance of Cedric Jackson.
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Jackson copped some criticism for a slowish start to the season in the opening round. He showed encouraging signs a week later against Cairns and went up a gear against the Bullets, producing 11 points and five assists.
It showed glimpses of the passing and vision that has seen the three-time championship-winner dubbed one of the best point-guards in the league’s history.
It’s a good sign for Beveridge, but he insisted it’s not a standard he’s holding the 2013 MVP to on his NBL return.
“I’m so happy for Cedric because he’s the one who’s put the most pressure on himself because the guy’s a competitor and he’s a winner everywhere he’s gone,” Beveridge said.
The guy's a competitor and a winner everywhere he's gone
- Rob Beveridge
“People look at the Cedric Jackson who won three championships and being the superstar but he doesn’t actually have to be that.
“We’re trying to say to him ‘you’re part of the team mate, you’re not getting fired, there’s zero pressure on you and we’ve got your back’.
“That happens with every one of our players. We want zero fear from these guys.”
Mitch Jennings
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
