Maryland's Justin Jackson declares for 2018 NBA Draft

Justin Jackson is heading to the professional ranks, as the Maryland forward told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he's leaving school for the 2018 NBA Draft.

"After talking with my family and weighing my options, it's my desire to turn my full attention to preparing for a career in pro basketball," Jackson said.

The 6-foot-7 Canadian burst onto the scene as a freshman with the Terrapins last season, averaging 10.5 points and six rebounds per game while connecting on an impressive 44 percent of his 3-pointers. However, Jackson's sophomore campaign was cut short after 11 games due to a torn labrum that required surgery.

Jackson has been widely regarded as a first-round pick since his solid showing at the NBA scouting combine last season.