CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina guard Ian Jackson has entered the transfer portal after one season with the Tar Heels, as first reported by the Fayetteville Observer. The former five-star recruit averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 2024-25, earning ACC All-Freshman honors while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range. Jackson’s departure leaves UNC head coach Hubert Davis navigating backcourt uncertainty ahead of a pivotal offseason.
🏀 Player Profile
- Position: Guard | Hometown: Bronx, NY | Height/Weight: 6’4”, 185 lbs
- Rankings: 5-star, No. 4 SG – On3, No. 5 SG – 247Sports
- 2024-25 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 46% FG, 40% 3PT (34 games)
Scouting the Standouts
Jackson’s freshman campaign included eight 20-point performances, highlighted by a historic four-game stretch of 23+ points—a first for a UNC freshman. His explosive scoring ability and clutch play solidified his reputation as a dynamic perimeter threat. However, late-season struggles (4.8 PPG in his final five games) raised questions about his NBA readiness, with current mock drafts projecting him as a mid-to-late first-round or second-round pick. Jackson has until April 26 to declare for the draft.
Recruiting Chessboard
St. John’s, led by Rick Pitino, has emerged as an early favorite to land Jackson, leveraging his New York roots and need for backcourt reinforcements. Kansas, Arkansas, and UConn—schools that pursued Jackson during his high school recruitment—could also re-enter the mix. The transfer portal window closes April 22, accelerating his decision timeline.
Program Priorities
Jackson’s exit compounds UNC’s backcourt exodus, joining Elliot Cadeau (Michigan) and Jalen Washington (Vanderbilt) in the portal. With RJ Davis exhausting eligibility, Seth Trimble’s potential return remains pivotal. Incoming freshmen Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis, alongside West Virginia transfer Jonathan Powell, will compete for minutes, but the Tar Heels may target additional portal guards to address Jackson’s scoring void.
Key Takeaways
- Legacy: Jackson’s 40% three-point shooting and freshman records cement his impact despite inconsistencies.
- Roster Pressure: UNC’s inability to retain a top-5 recruit underscores challenges in an era of portal-driven roster volatility.
- Deadline Watch: Davis has limited time to rebuild guard depth before the portal closes.
