The season doesn’t really start for more than a week, but when you’re dealing with a talent such as Kansas freshman Josh Jackson, it’s never too soon to check out where he might end up in the NBA Draft, following the conclusion of his inevitable one-and-done season in Lawrence.

As of Halloween 2016 — the day before the Jayhawks’ exhibition opener — Jackson is a safe bet to go in the top three to five picks of the 2017 draft next June.

DraftExpress.com projects Jackson, a 6-foot-8 wing from Detroit, as the No. 4 overall pick.

The most recent mock draft on the site predicts Washington freshman point guard Markelle Fultz as the No. 1 choice, with North Carolina State freshman point guard Dennis Smith Jr. and Duke freshman small forward Jayson Tatum coming off the board next.

Here’s a quick rundown of where other sites think Jackson will go in the lottery:

• Bleacher Report: No. 2 pick

• NBAdraft.net: No. 1 pick

• Hoops Hype: No. 2 pick

• FanSided.com: No. 1 pick

Regardless of which mock draft you most trust (Seriously, what are we to make of NBAdraft.net including Lagerald Vick in the first round?) it doesn’t seem Jackson should have to wait long to hear his name called. Then again, the talented 19-year-old has yet to play in a college basketball game. And that’s where much of the intrigue surrounding Jackson’s next several months comes into play. Jackson, like Andrew Wiggins before him, should have ample opportunities within Bill Self’s offense to showcase the athleticism and length that make him such an appealing prospect.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas newcomer Josh Jackson throws down a dunk for the crowd during Late Night in the Phog on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse.

While Jackson won’t spend much time this season contemplating his NBA stock — why would he when he’s thought of so highly? — those of us watching it all play out can consider Fultz, Smith, Tatum and another Duke freshman, big man Harry Giles, Jackson’s primary competition for that No. 1 slot.

Jackson seems to be the kind of mature player who will narrow his field of focus to KU’s opponents, his role within the structure of the team and improving his own game. But every time he has a massive night or runs through some freshman struggles on the court, observers will wonder about the big picture and what it means for Jackson’s value.

Much of the fascination surrounding Jackson’s time at KU will revolve around his development. Can he prove he has developed a reliable jump shot? NBA teams won’t pass on him if he enters their ranks with a suspect 3-pointer. But if Jackson proves he can drain from long range and get to the paint and finish, he’ll put himself at the top of more big boards.

Likewise, should Self assist Jackson in showcasing his defensive ability on the perimeter, the way Wiggins did at KU, it will become more difficult for general managers and coaches to talk themselves into taking a point guard ahead of Jackson, equipped with a 6-foot-9.75 wingspan and 8-3 standing reach, according to Draft Express. Plus, he’s obviously not lacking in the vertical leap department, either, though those specific numbers aren’t available on his DX profile.

The Josh Jackson show begins Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse, and it’s sure to entertain to engross its viewers, whether they’re college basketball fans or NBA decision-makers, deep into March.

— We’ll track the NBA stock of KU players throughout the season at KUsports.com.