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DENVER -- Just like it's been said that every Batman needs a Robin, you could argue that every Jimmer needs a Jackson.
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Game-Planning for Gonzaga
A day before future conference foes face off in the NCAA Tournament, the BYU Cougars and Gonzaga Bulldogs prepared for their Third Round meeting with Pepsi Center practices and media obligations here in Denver.Jackson Emery has been a part of the BYU basketball program ever since Dave Rose took over the reigns and started turning things around. Rose thought he was recruiting a scorer. Little did he know that he just recruited half of arguably the best guard combination BYU has ever seen.
"It's hard to think about not playing with both these two guards because they've been together and basically started the last three years' together," said coach Rose.
"As good as Jimmer has been offensively, Jackson has been that good as far as helping this team win games in so many different ways."
Emery was known for his defense playing for the Lone Peak Knights in Alpine, Utah, receiving the all-time career steals record there as well. But it was his scoring that grabbed the attention of the coaches recruiting him.
"When I'd play games they wouldn't put me on the best player, because they didn't want me to get in foul trouble," said Emery. "It was kind of funny, I didn't become a defender until my freshman year here, when I realized that's what I needed to do in order to play."
Emery's contribution as a cougar isn't a secret for teams that have to prepare against BYU. His defense is very apparent, but his offense does not go unnoticed either.
Jackson Emery could start for anybody in the country. Much more athletic probably than people realize.
–- Mark Few, Headcoach Gonzaga
"We know about Jackson Emery. Jimmer gets all the hype, but he deserves just as much," said freshman Gonzaga guard David Stockton. "He's a great defender, he's capable of making shots just like Jimmer. He's a very good player."
Emery's graduating in finance, and continuing to support his wife of three years. The two are expecting their first child in September. Being married with a pregnant wife may slow many people, but not Emery. His hard work still garners him much deserved respect around the league.
"Jackson Emery could start for anybody in the country," said Gonzaga coach Mark Few. "Much more athletic probably than people realize. He can really shoot the ball. To be able to shoot the ball with a good feel for the game, that's a great quality to have."
