In the visiting locker room after the Maryland men's basketball team's Jan. 14 come-from-behind victory at Illinois, forward Justin Jackson was as joyful as any of his teammates. Recalling the postgame scene inside Champaign's State Farm Center a few days later, Terps assistant coach Dustin Clark marveled at the freshman's maturity.
"He was the happiest guy in the locker room," Clark said, "even though he didn't score."
Jackson had contributed in other ways, particularly on the defensive end. Saddled with two early fouls that caused him to sit out most of the first half, Jackson watched as Illinois forward Leron Black hit all five shots he took before halftime.