Pair of UNC basketball commits impress in McDonald's All-American Game

The 2024 McDonald's All-American Game was a chance for UNC basketball fans to get a glimpse of the future of the program.

Two future Tar Heels competed in Tuesday night's showcase of the best high school players in the country, as the East completed a comeback victory to defeat the West by a score of 88-86.

Incoming freshmen Ian Jackson and Drake Powell earned spots on the East roster, as the UNC basketball program was one of five schools to have two future recruits participating.

Of the two future Tar Heels who played, it was five-star Ian Jackson who stood out the most. A starter for the East squad, Jackson got involved early and often, as he began the game with an assist while scoring 21 points over his 25 minutes of action.

Powell played 17 minutes off the bench, and although he didn't connect on any of his three shot attempts, the five-star guard still made an impact. He finished the night with four rebounds, two steals and one assist, as his plus-minus of +11 was the second-highest on the team.

This duo is two-thirds of the UNC basketball program's 2024 recruiting class, which is regarded as a top-10 class nationally. Remember, this class was also supposed to feature Elliot Cadeau, who we know elected to reclassify into this year's class.

On Tuesday night, Jackson and Powell showcased just how bright the future is in Chapel Hill, as both players seem destined to make an immediate impact once they arrive on campus this summer. Although the roster will look different next season, fans should be excited about what the incoming freshman class has to offer.