Irish PG and South Bend native Demetrius Jackson was drafted 45th overall by the Boston Celtics.
After a fantastic three year career that included two trips to the Elite Eight, Demetrius Jackson will enter the NBA with the Boston Celtics after being drafted 45th overall. Jackson's selection gives the Irish its third draft pick in the last two years after Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton were both taken in last year's draft. The Irish have a chance to make it three drafts in a row next year when VJ Beachem will probably be a potential prospect.
Jackson's recruitment to Notre Dame was closely followed by Irish hoops fans. The five-star McDonald's All American decided between ND and Illinois, ultimately choosing to stay close to home with the Irish. Jackson's background was a tumultuous one that included time in foster care before being adopted by an AAU teammate's family. Jackson attended Merian High School in Mishawaka, and quickly attracted the attention of Irish coaches. After committing to the Irish, Jackson struggled his freshman year that included a short suspension in a disappointing season for Irish hoops. He broke out his sophomore year for what may have been the best Irish basketball team ever averaging 12.4 points and 3.1 assists per game while sharing the backcourt with fellow NBA PG Jerian Grant. His play helped lead the Irish to their first Elite Eight of the Mike Brey era.
With the departures of Grant and Connaughton, Brey handed Jackson the keys to the program, and Jackson responded with an excellent junior season that saw him increase both his scoring and assists. The junior captain guided the Irish to a second straight Elite Eight. Shortly after the conclusion of the season and a meeting with Coach Brey, Jackson announced he'd be leaving school early and would enter the NBA Draft. After an impressive showing at the draft combine that included a 43.5" vertical leap, Jackson solidified himself a one of the best PGs in the draft. I think I speak for Irish fans everywhere when I say congrats to Demetrius, and wish him the best of luck in the NBA.
WATCH: Demetrius Jackson is selected in 2016 NBA Draft Pick by @Celtics
— Notre Dame MBB (@NDmbb) June 24, 2016
@D_Jay11 is ND's 3rd pick in 2yrs#NDinNBAhttps://t.co/Cv42JekNlI
