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Notre Dame Basketball: Jackson to Enter 2016 NBA Draft

By Bobby Norell

Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Notre Dame’s 88-74 loss to North Carolina in the Elite 8 on Sunday night, reports surfaced that ND’s star guard Demetrius Jackson would in fact enter this year’s NBA Draft. The reports also noted that it is Jackson’s intention to declare without hiring an agent. This means that Jackson can go the NBA combine, get feedback from scouts and then make a decision based on that. It gives him the opportunity to return to Notre Dame if he wanted to.

Most mock drafts have Jackson going as high as No.11 and as low as an early second rounder. DraftExpress.com has Jackson going No.11 to the Toronto Raptors. Realistically, it would not be crazy to expect Jackson to be drafted in the first round between picks 10-20. If does get that kind of feedback from scouts, expect Jackson to leave.

Jackson will be very attractive to some NBA teams. They are going to love his athleticism, quickness and strength. He does need to improve his shot, but he might as well improve it while getting paid in the NBA.

If for some reason Jackson does decide to return for his senior season the Irish will have another very good team. The Irish are losing a huge piece in Zach Auguste, but the backcourt of Jackson, Steve Vasturia, V.J. Beachem and Matt Farrell would all be back. The Irish are also in the running for five-star forward Thon Maker. If Notre Dame could add him, he could step into Auguste’s spot.

Over his three years in South Bend, Jackson accumulated 1,204 points, 334 assists and 322 rebounds. He really shined this past season as he was named captain and led the Irish in points and assists per game. Jackson was also part of back-to-back Elite 8 teams. Not only will Jackson will be remembered by Irish fans for his amazing story, but also for being one heck of player.

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