:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54451023/usa_today_9843394.0.jpg)
For the moment, Maryland forward Justin Jackson’s name is in the 2017 NBA Draft. He’s on the league’s list of 182 early-entrant candidates released Monday, and if he doesn’t withdraw his name by May 24, his career in College Park will be over after one season.
Jackson didn’t hire an agent, though, so he can back out of the draft any time in the next four weeks. Between now and then, he’ll get feedback from NBA scouts, and even if he doesn’t receive an invite to the NBA Combine from May 9-14, he’ll get a feel for where he stands and what he needs to work on.
This is exactly the right approach.
Jackson will presumably only leave school if scouts tell him he has a chance at being drafted in the first round. Most projections don’t have him being taken at all this year, and unless that changes for the better, he can take his feedback and head back to College Park for at least one more year. (Jackson is a projected first-rounder in DraftExpress’ 2018 mock, although that’s a long while away.)
Maryland’s current plan for 2017-18 features Jackson heavily, and if he ultimately decides to leave, the Terps will be in a huge hole. But if he’s not in College Park next season, it’s most likely because good things are on the other side.
In other news
Austin Fontaine and Evan Gregory both told Jared why they’re excited to play at Maryland.
Taivon Jacobs is ready to contribute on the gridiron again after missing 2016 with this third knee surgery.
Michael Dunn is one of Maryland’s best NFL prospects, but it won’t be easy for him.
Maryland men’s lacrosse will earn a top-three seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Here are the scenarios with one game remaining.
The Maryland Baseball Network looked at how some former Terps are faring in the pro ranks this season.
The Terps’ midweek game at James Madison was called off and rescheduled.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) April 25, 2017
Maryland's game at JMU today has been canceled.
Terps/Dukes game on May 10 in CP has been moved up to 4 pm.
And finally, the best basketball headline in the history of basketball headlines hit the internet yesterday.
His story is fascinating, too. Go read it.