This weekend, former 5-star North Carolina signee Ian Jackson is all set to take a visit with St. John's. Let's be real here, no one is surprised Rick Pitino is going hard after the talented guard, as the idea of playing in front of Jackson's family and friends back home in New York is an easy sell.
While plenty of UNC fans remain a bit bummed that Jackson is out the door, the good news is that Hubert Davis and his staff continue to put together one of the best classes, including transfer additions, for 2025.
As for Jackson, he's also been linked with a move to Arkansas to play for John Calipari. However, it looks like there's a new team for everyone to keep an eye on. According to 247Sports' Travis Branham, Kentucky and Mark Pope are in the mix here too.
Kentucky is reportedly showing interest in former 5-star UNC signee Ian Jackson
Kentucky was a strong contender for Jackson last cycle, with Pope and his staff giving him a ton to think about before he ultimately ended up signing with Davis and the Tar Heels. Now, though, he indeed is looking for a new place to call home.
By all accounts, St. John's appears to be the team to beat, as Branham noted. However, Pope has been on the grind early this offseason adding key playmakers via the transfer portal. Thus far, he has landed commitments from Jayden Quaintance, Mouhamed Dioubate, Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams.
Jackson, a Bronx native, averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds for the Tar Heels this past campaign. When he signed with UNC, he did so as the nation's No. 4 shooting guard for his class. He's one and done for North Carolina, however, and it sure looks like St. John's, Arkansas and now Kentucky are the main programs going after him. A decision is expected sooner rather than later from the youngster as well.