Maryland sophomore forward Justin Jackson is declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft after two seasons. He told his intentions to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
“After talking with my family and weighing my options, it’s my desire to turn my full attention to preparing for a career in pro basketball,” Jackson said.
A Toronto native, Jackson came to Maryland as a highly touted recruit. As a freshman he appeared in all 33 games, averaging 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 43.8 percent from three.
He impressed NBA scouts during last season’s NBA Combine, drawing interest as a first-round pick. He returned to Maryland for a second season to boost his draft stock.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short with a torn labrum. He appeared in 11 games and averaged 9.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He three-point shooting dipped to 25 percent.
Jackson has a 7-foot-3 wingspan and is a versitale combo forward on both ends of the floor. If his three-point shooting is more like his freshman season, he will provide great depth at small and power forward.
