Demetrius Jackson, the nation’s No. 18th-ranked player and fourth-best point guard, will announce his decision between Illinois and Notre Dame Thursday at 4 p.m. on ESPNU.

Jackson, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Marian High School in Indiana, made an official visit to Notre Dame last weekend and previously visited Illinois in early September.

ESPN senior national basketball recruiting analyst Dave Telep believes Jackson will be a difference-maker wherever he ends up.

“The reason why his value is so high is because of his leadership and ability to command a team,” Telep said. “He may not be a household name, but he will be.”

Illinois coach John Groce has previously said a point guard was a priority for his 2013 recruiting class. Sophomore Tracy Abrams is the lone true point guard on Illinois’ current roster.

The Illini currently have Class of 2013 commitments from Simeon shooting guard Kendrick Nunn, who is ranked No. 56, Belleville East (Ill.) swingman Malcolm Hill, who is ranked No. 89, and Springboro (Ohio) center Maverick Morgan.

Notre Dame has Class of 2013 commitments from St. Joseph (N.J.) shooting guard Steve Vasturia and New Haven (Ind.) small forward V.J. Bechem.