UConn basketball junior Andre Jackson Jr. plans to enter the NBA draft, but has retained his college eligibility, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Andre Jackson Jr. was a huge part of UConn basketball's run to the national championship in 2023. Jackson Jr., Jordan Hawkins and Adama Sanogo were seen as the Huskies' ‘big three' this season. Jordan Hawkins has already entered the NBA draft, and is expected to be a lottery pick. Adama Sanogo was the most outstanding player of the NCAA Tournament, and he retained college eligibility was well, but it is expected that he will stay in the draft past the May 31 deadline.

Jackson Jr. was arguably one of the most athletic players in college basketball, and should test well in the upcoming NBA draft combine in mid-May. It would be surprising if he does not test well, given the athletic ability he showed in college.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts with center Khaman Maluach (9) during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Duke standout Cooper Flagg’s reaction to Khaman Maluach going to Suns is pricelessMiguel La Torre ·
Featured image Kasparas Jakucionis
Illinois basketball guard Kasparas Jakucionis’ NBA Draft fall leads to back-to-back Illini momentDylan Fine ·
Michigan Wolverines center Danny Wolf (1) drives against Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) in the first half of a South Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena.
NCAA makes massive change to college basketball scheduleGuillermo Guajardo ·
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts after a play against the Florida Gators during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Auburn’s Bruce Pearl gets 100% real on Tigers’ volatility heading into 2025-26Miguel La Torre ·
Kansas Jayhawks guard AJ Storr (2) shoots the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Jonas Aidoo (9) during the second half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Chris Beard preaches belief in AJ Storr despite Kansas flameoutDavid Yapkowitz ·
Whitney Bay, a former Maryland and Purdue standout is becoming an HBCU coach as she takes over West Virginia State.
Former Purdue, Maryland standout becomes HBCU coachRandall Barnes ·

However, it would not be a shock if Jackson Jr. ultimately returned to college for one more season. Shooting is not his strength, and we know how much the NBA values shooting. Jackson Jr. was not known as a scorer for UConn. He thrived defensively and as a playmaker. He is an outstanding passer, and can use his athleticism to rebound really well.

It would not be a surprise if a team or two absolutely fell in love with Jackson Jr.'s athletic traits after seeing him at the NBA draft combine.

This one could go either way. If Jackson Jr. does stay in the draft past May 31, he will be one of the more intriguing prospects.