Rising sophomore guard Justin Jackson announced Wednesday that he will return to the University of Maryland for his sophomore season.
A 6-foot-7 forward from Toronto, Ontario, Jackson averaged 10.5 points and a team-high six rebounds per game for the Terps in 2016-17. He ranked seventh on Maryland’s freshman single-season rebounding list (199) and was second on the team in blocks (29).
“I’m excited to return for my sophomore year at Maryland and look forward to building upon the success we had last season,” Jackson said. “The experience that I had participating in the NBA Scouting Combine will be beneficial in my long-term development. I can’t wait to get back to College Park and begin workouts with my teammates this summer.”
Maryland went 24-9 in Jackson’s lone season in College Park and punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for a third straight season.
“We are excited Justin is returning for his sophomore season,” head coach Mark Turgeon said. “Justin had a great opportunity to attend the NBA Combine and gather information regarding his future as a professional basketball player. Justin has a bright future. We are confident he will continue to develop as both a player and a person and be a major contributor to our program.”
Additionally, Jackson was named to the Barclays All-Tournament team after averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in wins over Richmond and Kansas State. He was tabbed Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week on Jan. 23 and recorded the first back-to-back double-doubles for a freshman at Maryland since 2010 with 28 points and 10 rebounds at Minnesota and 22 points and 12 rebounds at Ohio State.
Maryland will return four of its top five scorers from a year ago next season, including Jackson and fellow rising sophomore starters Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter.
Release: Maryland Athletics
