The North Carolina Tar Heels received some bad news when five-star guard Ian Jackson opted to enter the transfer portal on Monday. The talented guard from the 2024 recruiting class spent just one year at North Carolina and decided it was time to move on.
Now, UNC will have to look to replace Jackson for next year's roster and hope to do so in the transfer portal.
As for Jackson, he's going to draw a lot of interest in the portal as a former five-star recruit. And he's already being connected to a program.
Per Zach Braziller of the New York Post, St. John's will be involved for Jackson who is a New York native:
Yes, for those asking, St John’s will be involved with Ian Jackson. #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) April 7, 2025
Jackson committed to North Carolina in early 2023 as a top 10 recruit. He was one of three recruits in the 2024 class for UNC, joining Drake Powell and Elliot Cadeau before Cadeau reclassified. But during his recruitment, there were rumors that St. John's and Rick Pitino would try to get a flip.
That didn't happen despite the push from Pitino but now the legendary head coach might get a second chance.
Jackson finished his freshman season averaging 11.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1 assist per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: St. John's expected to pursue UNC guard Ian Jackson
