EAST LANSING - Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped into the Michigan State starting lineup from his first days on campus and over the next six months became a terrorizing shot-blocker and versatile offensive threat all just after turning 18 years old.
Now, the Spartans forward is heading to the next level.
Jackson announced on Monday afternoon that he will end his college career after one season to declare for the 2018 NBA Draft. Michigan State released a statement saying he plans on hiring an agent, which would prevent him from returning for his sophomore season.
In leaving after his freshman season, Jackson becomes just the third player in Tom Izzo's 23 years as head coach to depart for the NBA after one year at Michigan State.