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          Leading scorer Demetrius Jackson leaving Notre Dame for NBA draft

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          Brey fully supportive of Jackson entering NBA draft (1:59)

          Notre Dame coach Mike Brey describes what it means for point guard Demetrius Jackson to declare for the NBA draft and explains why the junior is fully ready to compete at a professional level. (1:59)

          • Matt FortunaMar 29, 2016, 10:37 PM ET
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            • Notre Dame/ACC reporter
            • Joined ESPN.com in 2011
            • Graduate of Penn State University

          Notre Dame point guard Demetrius Jackson is declaring for the NBA draft, he said in an Instagram post.

          I am blessed with the opportunity to say I will be declaring for the NBA Draft. It was an honor to represent such a great University and program. There have been many people who've helped me along this journey, and I'd like to thank my family, teammates, and coaches for shaping me to be the player and man I am today. The continuous support of the Notre Dame family has made these past three years unforgettable. a huge thank you to my foster family-you opened your home to me, gave me the best possible situation to be successful, and allowed me to open up and trust again. Words will never be enough to describe how you've helped me grow. And to all those who believed in me through the ups and downs, thank you. Not only do I have a place to call home with my foster family, but now another at Notre Dame. #NotDoneYet #574

          A photo posted by Demetrius Jackson (@d_jay11) on

          Jackson, a junior, led the Fighting Irish in scoring (15.8) and was second in the ACC in assists (4.7).

          University spokesman Alan Wasielewski said Jackson is expected to sign with an agent, which would mean he couldn't revoke his decision and return to Notre Dame. Jackson has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday.

          Jackson is No. 16 on ESPN Insider Chad Ford's Big Board. A second-team All-ACC selection this season, Jackson started each of the past two seasons for Notre Dame, which ended both campaigns in the Elite Eight. The Irish won the 2015 ACC tournament as well.

          Jackson was ESPN's No. 24 overall player from the Class of 2013 and played in the McDonald's All-American Game.

          He scored a game-high 26 points Sunday in his college finale, an 88-74 loss to North Carolina. A native of neighboring Mishawaka, Indiana, he finishes his career with averages of 11.7 points and 3.25 assists.

          Irish coach Mike Brey praised Jackson's decision on Twitter.

          Jackson is the first Notre Dame player to declare early for the NBA draft since Carleton Scott left as a junior in 2011. Scott went undrafted.

          Three others who played for Brey -- forwards Luke Harangody in 2009 and Torin Francis in 2005 and guard Chris Thomas in 2003 -- placed their names in the draft and then withdrew and returned to school. The only other player to declare for the draft under Brey was Troy Murphy in 2001. He was taken with the 14th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors.

          The only other players to leave Notre Dame early for the NBA draft were Adrian Dantley in 1976, who was taken with the sixth overall pick by the then-Buffalo Braves, and Gary Brokaw in 1974, who was taken with the 18th pick overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

          The Associated Press contributed to this report.