Captain Jack.
The nickname of the UNC basketball program's talented freshman from the Bronx, New York, who has been tearing it up against his opponents after the last six games. Ian Jackson continues to find ways to score the basketball, whether at the rim or beyond the three-point line — he's putting the ball through the hoop regardless of where he is on the floor.
UNC freshman Ian Jackson's last 6 games:
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) January 11, 2025
21 PTS | 8-15 FG | 5-8 3PT
18 PTS | 5-11 FG | 7 REB
27 PTS | 11-18 FG | 6 REB
23 PTS | 7-15 FG
26 PTS | 9-16 FG
24 PTS | 8-13 FG pic.twitter.com/pjddiAqz6b
Six straight games of scoring at least 18 points, as five of the six games spotted at least 20 or more. Jackson's game has been electric to watch — seeing him go coast-to-coast or squaring up from the corner for a three-point shot does not fall short in the entertainment category.
During North Carolina's contest against NC State on Saturday afternoon, Jackson only scored five points entering halftime. But once the last 20 minutes began, he exploded for 16 points — including a clutch shot from the right wing behind the arc to put the Tar Heels up 61-59 in the final moments of regulation.
Jackson finished his first outing against NC State with 21 points, two rebounds, and one assist on 8-15 shooting and drained 5-8 from three.
Ian Jackson (21 points) has his team-high sixth 20-point game of the year and his fifth in the last six games.
— Carolina Basketball Stats & Info (@UNCMBBStats) January 11, 2025
Tied at 61-all. pic.twitter.com/OOlJ6aDvIj
Head coach Hubert Davis' decision to keep No. 11 in the starting lineup (five straight games and counting) has paid off— UNC is riding a three-game winning streak and has won five of its last six games — dating back to the outing against then-ranked No. 18 UCLA.
There are no signs of Captain Jack slowing down, which only proves why he should be on the floor as the season proceeds. Whenever the ball is in his hands, it's okay to expect something good to happen, as he continues to prove that he performs best when the lights are the brightest.
The NBA Draft stock of the 6-foot-4 guard is growing: do not be surprised if he ends up as a lottery pick in this year's draft class.
It feels like Jackson's ascension into an elite college basketball player skipped a few bars on the ladder. But that is nothing for Carolina fans to complain about — rather a positive acknowledgment.
The lights will keep on shining bright as long as his performance stays steady. Given what we've seen, it could be a rather safe bet to say that Ian Jackson has what it takes to keep his success going.