Maryland Basketball: Jaren Jackson set to announce

Jaren Jackson is one of the top forwards in the 2017 class.

On Thursday, Jackson will announce where he will be playing his collegiate basketball. Per his Twitter account, Jackson will decide between Georgetown, Maryland, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Purdue.

According to 247Sports composite rankings, Jackson is rated as a five-star prospect as well as being the No. 22 player in the country. He is also being tabbed as the seventh-best power forward and the third best player in the state of Indiana behind teammate Brian Bowen and Kris Wilkes.

Five of the seven Crystal Ball predictions are in Maryland’s favor. Purdue owns the other two picks and it appears that it could come down to the two Big Ten schools for Jackson’s services.

The Terrapins have yet to receive a commitment in the 2017 class.

However, coach Mark Turgeon and his staff are coming off a phenomenal 2016 class that has a lot of star potential. St. John’s College point guard Anthony Cowan headlines the 2016 group and definitely is expected to be the heir apparent once Melo Trimble leaves College Park.

Maryland also added sharpshooting guard Kevin Huerter, who should contribute immediately after his performance with the United States U18 team this past summer.

The Terps also secured the services of forward Justin Jackson late. Jackson was originally slated to go to UNLV, but a coaching change got Maryland back in the running.

Maryland finished out the class by adding forwards Micah Thomas and Joshua Tomiac.

It’s pretty clear that this is a program that continues to be on the rise. If Turgeon can add Jackson to the mix, Maryland could be right back in the national title picture during the 2017-18 season.