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Jaren Jackson to declare for NBA Draft

Illinois v Michigan State

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

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Jaren Jackson announced on Monday afternoon that he will be forgoing his final three seasons of eligibility and declaring for the NBA Draft.

There had been some speculation that Jackson was leaning towards returning to the college ranks for his sophomore season the way that Bridges returned for a year.

Jackson is projected as a top five pick in the NBA draft, and he could end up being picked in the top three. He averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 boards per game while shooting 39 percent from three and blocking an average of three shots per night. His combination of length, athleticism and shooting ability at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan makes him a valued commodity.