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Maryland Basketball: Justin Jackson has solid outing at Draft Combine

By Chris Bengel

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) drives against Xavier Musketeers guard Malcolm Bernard (11) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) drives against Xavier Musketeers guard Malcolm Bernard (11) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Justin Jackson declared for the NBA Draft last month, it may have come as a surprise to some.

On Friday, Jackson held his own in a five-on-five scrimmage and turned in a solid performance at the NBA Draft Combine.

The Maryland freshman finished with 11 points (5-of-13 shooting) while also recording five steals, four rebounds, three blocks, and an assist. The East York, Ontario native also connected on one of his four attempts from beyond the arc.

He was one of five players on his team to finish in double figures along with Isaiah Briscoe (Kentucky), Damyean Dotson (Houston), Kennedy Meeks (North Carolina), and Kobi Simmons (Arizona).

One of Jackson’s biggest strengths is his ability to play inside-out. He excels around the basket and can finish while also being able to shoot from the perimeter.

Jackson did lead the Terrapins with a 43.8 percent clip from three during the 2016-17 season.

While he likely projects as a small forward at the NBA level, Jackson has a tremendous wingspan at 7’3.25. Ike Anigbogu (UCLA, 7’6.25), Jarrett Allen (Texas, 7’5.25), Tony Bradley (North Carolina, 7’5), Thomas Bryant (Indiana, 7’6), Jonathan Jeanne (France, 7’6.5) and Johnathan Motley (Baylor, 7’4) were the only players that measured with a bigger wingspan than Jackson at the Combine.

Jackson had no problem finishing at the rim early on. On two of his first three field goal attempts, Jackson benefited from strong passing and converted a pair of layups right at the basket.

While his scoring was a welcome sight, Jackson’s defense was really what stood out on Friday afternoon.

Jackson displayed his athleticism as he did a phenomenal job guarding players on the perimeter. That’s where his wingspan comes into play.

At the next level, Jackson is going to be guarding some very talented forwards and guards on the perimeter. He closed out well on shooters and altered several field goal attempts during Friday’s scrimmage.

While, it seemed like it was a guarantee that Jackson would return to College Park, now it’s looking a little more cloudy. Jackson rebounded from a team-low in minutes to have a very well-rounded performance.

Next: Maryland Lacrosse: Tucker James must be contained

Jackson has until 10 days after the Combine wraps up to decide if he’s going to stay in the NBA Draft pool.