Andre Jackson Jr., a distinguished alumnus of UConn and a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, has reportedly secured a contract with the Toronto Raptors for the forthcoming 2026-27 NBA season. This development, which emerged on a recent Tuesday evening, sees Jackson embarking on a new chapter in his professional basketball journey. Having been an integral part of UConn's fifth national championship victory in 2023, Jackson's career trajectory saw him contribute significantly across three seasons with the Huskies before making the leap to the NBA draft.
Former UConn Star Andre Jackson Jr. Joins Toronto Raptors Ahead of Training Camp
In a significant move for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, Andre Jackson Jr., the former UConn luminary and Milwaukee Bucks wing, has officially signed a deal with the Toronto Raptors. This announcement, made late on Tuesday, August 6, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the 23-year-old athlete. Jackson's tenure at UConn, spanning from 2020 to 2023, culminated in a triumphant 2023 national championship, where he delivered an impressive average of 6.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game across 36 appearances. The Amsterdam, New York native, having played 85 games in a Husky uniform, declared for the NBA Draft following his team's championship triumph.
Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 36th pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Jackson spent three seasons with the team, experiencing a variety of roles. His most notable season came in 2024-25, his second year, where he featured in 67 games, starting 43, and averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest. However, his playing time decreased in his third season, recording only 8.5 minutes per game across 48 appearances, often receiving DNPs (Did Not Play) under head coach Doc Rivers.
Now, Jackson is poised for a fresh start north of the border, though the path ahead demands considerable effort. The Toronto Raptors' roster is nearly complete heading into training camp, leaving Jackson to contend for one of the final coveted spots. His contract is structured as an Exhibit 10 deal, a one-year, non-guaranteed agreement that provides the Raptors with his G-League rights should he not make the team's opening night roster. This offers him a crucial opportunity to showcase his capabilities and secure his place in the NBA.
UConn saw nine of its players compete in the NBA last season, a number expected to grow with the addition of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban. While the program recently lost Tyrese Martin, who signed with FC Barcelona overseas, Jackson's potential minutes with either Toronto or another NBA team this year could lead to a historic achievement for UConn. For the first time since the 2000s, the university could boast ten players recording minutes in the association within a single season, highlighting the continued success of its basketball program in nurturing NBA talent.
Andre Jackson Jr.'s move to the Toronto Raptors represents more than just a player changing teams; it's a testament to the relentless pursuit of opportunity and the dynamic nature of professional sports. His journey, from a national champion at UConn to vying for a roster spot in the NBA, underscores the fierce competition and the continuous need for adaptation and growth. For fans and aspiring athletes alike, Jackson's narrative serves as a powerful reminder that success, even after initial triumphs, requires enduring dedication and the courage to seek new challenges. It also highlights the strategic complexities of NBA team building, where every roster spot is a hard-fought prize, and non-guaranteed contracts offer both a lifeline and a proving ground for players on the cusp of their dreams.
