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Maryland Basketball: Justin Jackson reportedly returning to Maryland

By Chris Bengel

Jan 28, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) dribbles in the first half against the Minnesota Gophers forward Jordan Murphy (3) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) dribbles in the first half against the Minnesota Gophers forward Jordan Murphy (3) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Jackson had a spectacular freshman season at Maryland.

On Tuesday, the Terrapins forward has reportedly decided to return to College Park for his sophomore season, according to Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports. Jackson was scheduled to discuss his final decision with his family on Tuesday evening.

Jackson had put his name into the NBA Draft pool, but hadn’t hired an agent.

He participated in the Scouting Combine in Chicago earlier this month. The East York, Ontario native has also worked out for several NBA teams, most recently with the Toronto Raptors.

“Truthfully, I’m hearing a whole bunch of different things,” Jackson said after his workout with the Raptors on Tuesday. “It’s kind of mixed right now. I’ve just really got to sit down, discuss with my family, my circle and really try to figure things out.”

Jackson has had a fairly productive month, so the decision wasn’t as cut and dry as many thought. At the Scouting Combine earlier this month, he turned in a solid performance in one of the five-on-five scrimmages that he played in.

The star freshman scored 11 points (5-of-13 shooting) and recorded five steals, four rebounds, three blocks, and an assist. Jackson also hit one of his four shots from beyond the arc, which is arguably his biggest strength.

“I’d probably say it’s a bit easier just because I have something to fall back on if things didn’t go well,” Jackson said when asked about the prospect of having going back to Maryland as an option. “At the end of the day, I just tried to go to every workout, go to the Combine, and just give my 100 percent. Hopefully that 100 percent will come back to me and I just try to give it my all.”

Jackson has had the luxury of not getting too overwhelmed by the draft process. His decision to come back is one that is huge for the Terps.

The Canadian product averaged 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Next: Maryland Basketball: Wizards could be perfect fit for Melo Trimble

With Melo Trimble leaving the program, Jackson will provide some much needed firepower from inside and the perimeter.