UConn star Andre Jackson Jr. says he’ll keep in NBA draft

UConn junior guard Andre Jackson Jr. — an immense a part of the Huskies’ run to the nationwide championship — plans to stay within the June NBA draft, he advised ESPN on Wednesday.

Jackson is likely one of the early entry candidates who had till 11:59 p.m. Wednesday to decide on whether or not to stay within the draft or return to school basketball.

He’s on staff draft boards starting within the mid-20s and is anticipated to be chosen anyplace from there via the early second spherical, staff executives advised ESPN. Jackson has been projected to be picked 32nd overall by the Indiana Pacers within the latest mock draft by ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony.

Jackson participated within the NBA draft mix and had particular person exercises with a number of groups, together with Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, Indiana and Portland.

As a lot as any participant within the 2023 NCAA event, Jackson, constructed momentum towards turning into a possible first-round decide with a stalwart junior season. At 6-foot-6, his artistic and unselfish playmaking, multi-positional protection and management intangibles had been outstanding all through the UConn’s dominant march to this system’s fifth NCAA title.

Jackson, who averaged 6.6 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.3 steals within the event, nonetheless hasn’t proven himself to be a dependable perimeter shooter, however he did present enchancment final season. His worth to NBA groups might are available a mess of different methods, particularly his disruptive protection and playmaking talents.

UConn coach Dan Hurley credited Jackson’s management in getting the staff via a tricky midseason patch and again on observe towards the nationwide championship. He is referred to as Jackson an awesome “connector of individuals.”