Reggie Jackson To Stay In NBA Draft

Well, can't say we didn't see this coming.

Junior guard Reggie Jackson announced on Saturday that he would remain in the NBA Draft. Jackson forgoes his final year of eligibility and finishes his BC career with 1,254 points in 99 games. Here is the statement from Reggie:

"I just want to thank BC, the coaching staff and administration for all their help and support throughout my three years here, but I have decided to stay in the draft and forego my senior season. The NBA has always been a dream of mine and it is one I wish to pursue. I am truly blessed to have attended and played for such a prestigious university. I would like to say thank you to all the BC fans for all the support and, though I have decided to leave school early, I will always be a BC Eagle."

Obviously this is a pretty significant loss for Donahue and the Eagles. Jackson was the leading scorer this season, averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Reggie projects as a first-round NBA Draft pick.

On the bright side, expectations for next season will be really, really low for BC. Donahue gets to clean slate a year earlier, and will get to work with a very talented freshman class that includes PG Jordan Daniels, SG Lonnie Jackson, SF Eddie Odio, PFs Ryan Anderson and Dennis Clifford and C Kyle Caudill. Combined with Oregon transfer Matt Humphrey, there will be plenty of new faces for the Eagles next season.

My hope is that with a manageable ACC rotational schedule and an easier non-conference schedule, the Eagles will best the modest expectations set for them next season. With a chance to play all four years together, hopefully this incoming class pays dividends in a few years down the road.

Thanks to Reggie Jackson for three great seasons on the Heights and best of luck at the next level.