Griffith’s Jakhari Mackey has always known his way around the rim.
The other parts of the court required some more investigation by him, though.
“Throughout my basketball journey, I was trained as a big,” Mackey said. “So I never had a coach develop my guard skills. I had to take time in the offseasons to improve that because I need to have it for me to get to the next level and be great.”
Arriving at Griffith as a 6-foot-3 freshman helped Mackey become a starter on day one. His improvement since then has turned the 6-4 senior forward/center into a versatile player the Panthers (3-0) rely upon at both ends of the court. He is averaging 10.0 points and 4.7 rebounds, numbers that rank third and second, respectively, on the team this season.
Mackey really stands out on defense, according to Griffith coach Josh Belluomini.
“He’s probably one of the best defensive players in the area,” Belluomini said. “He’s super dynamic. He can guard a guard, or he can guard a big. He really understands how to move his feet, and he’s physical in a good way.
“He’s really matured, going from a gangly freshman getting pushed around to a senior who’s making plays on the defensive end.”
Mackey hopes to make more plays on the offensive end, as well, especially after another summer spent working on his perimeter game. He has become more confident in it.
“That’s what I’ve lacked the last few years for sure — the confidence,” he said. “I never really thought I could handle the ball. But I really gained that confidence by going to the gym and putting in a lot of work, getting my handle and my shot more into my game.”
Belluomini said he has noticed that from Mackey too.
“He’s always had that natural footwork and awareness around the rim from playing as a big his whole life,” Belluomini said. “Little by little, we’ve seen him improve as a passer and as a ballhandler. He likes taking the ball off the backboard and pushing to start a fast break for us.”
Mackey has had more time in the summer to work on his game since he stopped playing football. In eighth grade, he fractured his right wrist in two places during football season. The injury delayed his return to the basketball court and made him realize what he wanted to do most.
“When I got injured and it took time from basketball, it started to get to me,” he said. “That’s when I was like, ‘Dang, I really have more love for basketball than for football.’”
With his focus on basketball, Mackey then had to figure some other things out.
“I used to have a terrible attitude,” he said. “It was really bad. I’d get mad after a missed shot or if I messed up on a play or if I didn’t play well enough.”
Mackey’s teammates, including senior forward Jatin Flowers, saw that too.
“You couldn’t tell him nothing,” Flowers said. “You couldn’t criticize him because he would just shut down. We all knew he could be a great player — he was starting as a freshman.”
Flowers was happy to point out that those issues are in the rearview mirror.
“His attitude has come a tremendously long way,” Flowers said. “He works his butt off now. He’s helping his teammates because he’s such a better competitor.”
Mackey intends to be that player all season.
“I’m trying to be a leader on and off the court and just giving 100% every time I’m out on the court,” he said.
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter.
