Notre Dame has landed its point guard of the future.
Mike Brey’s team scored a major coup Thursday when Demetrius Jackson chose the Irish over Illinois.
“I will be attending the University of Notre Dame because I feel like I can develop as a person and as a player,” the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Jackson said on ESPNU.
The Rivals No. 6 point guard in the Class of 2013 out of Mishawaka (Ind.) earlier informed the Illinois coaching staff of his decision, according to the Champaign News-Gazette.
Both coaching staffs watched Jackson Tuesday night.
“It was a little weird, it was crazy but at the same time it was a blessing,” Jackson said. “I was happy to have both coaching staffs there and like always I try not to worry about who’s there watching. I just try to play basketball.”
ESPN.com reported the news on Twitter, scooping itself since he later announced on ESPNU.
“Simply put, Notre Dame had to have this young man,” ESPN.com’s Dave Telep said in a video that appeared on ESPN.com that has since been removed. “There aren’t a lot of point guards from South Bend, Ind., who stay at home and play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
“This is a big deal. It’s a guy who has chance to be named a McDonalds All-American. His reputations has continued to grow as a leader and a very good basketball player and future point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.”
Kansas was reportedly also involved for a period this year, but the Jayhawks once again struck out on a point guard.
Jackson will succeed current Irish point guard Eric Atkins, who will overlap for one year with Jackson beginning in 2013.
The Irish are expected to leave for the ACC at some point after this season.
“We’ll be playing some great teams, that’s for sure,” he said. “And so hopefully we can come out with some wins and just play as hard as we can every single game.”
