Irish junior guard Demetrius Jackson declared for the NBA Draft on Tuesday evening and plans to hire an agent, ending his Notre Dame career, a team spokesman confirmed.
“I am blessed with the opportunity to say I will be declaring for the NBA Draft,” Jackson said in an Instagram post. “It was an honor to represent such a great University and program.”
Jackson, who led Notre Dame with 15.8 points per game this season, is projected by many to be a first-round selection in June’s draft, held in Brooklyn, New York. The Mishawaka native thanked those who helped him during his career at Notre Dame, especially the Whitfield family, his foster family.
“There have been many people who've helped me along this journey, and I’d like to thank my family, teammates and coaches for shaping me to be the player and man I am today,” Jackson said. “The continuous support of the Notre Dame family has made these past three years unforgettable.
“A huge thank you to my foster family — you opened your home to me, gave me the best possible situation to be successful, and allowed me to open up and trust again. Words will never be enough to describe how you've helped me grow. And to all those who believed in me through the ups and downs, thank you. Not only do I have a place to call home with my foster family, but now another at Notre Dame.”
Jackson becomes the first Notre Dame player to declare early for the draft since Troy Murphy did in 2001; Murphy was selected 14th by Golden State in that year’s draft.
