Ian Jackson isn't a member of the UNC basketball program anymore, but one thing that sticks with him is that rivalry mindset when it comes to competing against Duke.
Jackson will get another crack at the Blue Devils on Friday night in the Sweet 16. While Jackson is now wearing St. John's red, he understands what comes with competing against Duke, especially on the highest level.
Jackson is ready for the challenge
During his first (and lone) season at North Carolina, Jackson and the Tar Heels didn't have any success against the Blue Devils.
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In fact, North Carolina lost to its biggest rival three times, including a three-point loss in the ACC Tournament semifinals, as Jackson would love nothing more than to pick up a win against the Blue Devils in what will be his fourth meeting with them.
When asked about the Sweet 16 matchup, Jackson noted that he expects it to be a fun one.
Ian Jackson might not wear a Carolina jersey anymore, but he's still keeping that rivalry mindset heading into the Sweet Sixteen game between Duke and St. John's. pic.twitter.com/SD1LVhcTWv
— Logan Campbell (@loganncampbelll) March 26, 2026
A challenge ahead
Jackson knows what Duke is all about, and cited how the roster may look different than the one he played against last season, but the characteristics of a typical Blue Devil team remain the same.
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The good thing for Jackson is, he'll enter this game with a bit of a dislike toward the Blue Devils. While his time at North Carolina didn't play out the way he (or Tar Heel fans) had hoped, he still wore the Carolina Blue, represented the university and played in multiple games in the greatest rivalry that sports has to offer.
Similar to when Caleb Love took on Duke for the first time after transferring to Arizona, Jackson won't need any additional motivation to have him ready in hopes of knocking off Duke to help St. John's secure a spot in the Elite Eight.