Jackson gives UNC a boost for 2016-17

North Carolina wing Justin Jackson is withdrawing from the 2016 NBA Draft and returning to school for his junior year. He is one of three starters from a Tar Heel team that went 33-7 last season who will be back for the 2016-17 campaign.

“I’m glad I had the chance to enter the Draft and attend the Combine where I was able to meet with a number of NBA executives and test my game against some of the top players in the country,” Jackson said. “But after discussing it with my parents and coaches and praying over this decision, the best choice for my basketball future is to return to school and play for the Tar Heels next season.”

As a sophomore, Jackson started 38 of 40 games and averaged 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He was also fourth on the team in assists with 113.

“Justin certainly did the right thing in entering the Draft because it helped him and his family make the decision with the most complete information possible,” head coach Roy Williams said. “Justin is a terrific player and an even finer young man and he’s going to be a big part of our basketball team next year.”

Jackson’s return puts UNC in position to…

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