Rick Pitino continues to rub salt in the wound for UNC basketball fans

Most UNC basketball fans aren't fond of Rick Pitino to begin with.

The long-time head coach has been in Ian Jackson's ear even before he committed to the UNC basketball program, as his relentlessness finally paid off when the former five-star talent transferred to St. John's this offseason.

Now, Pitino continues to rub salt in the wound, as his latest comments about Jackson are sure to infuriate some Tar Heel fans.

Pitino went on to say that Jackson has the "most potential" of anyone on the team's current roster. This comment came before the team's open scrimmage, which was held at Carnesecca Arena.

The comments Pitino made to NJ Advance Media make things even worse, as it seems like he was taking a unnecessary shot at the UNC basketball program's coaching staff:

“Ian just has to learn the game, be tougher. He has the most room for improvement because he really doesn’t know the game fundamentally, but he’s such an incredible kid. He’s a sponge. He wants to learn badly and his growth spurt is going to be big time.”

Of course, it's very difficult to teach someone the fundamentals of the game in just one year, but it seems like Pitino is making a case that the Tar Heels failed in their attempt to develop his new lead guard.

Without a doubt, some will agree with Pitino's claim, especially given Jackson's undefined role and lack of playing time, especially down the final stretch of the season. Tar Heel fans are well-aware of just how good Ian Jackson can be, it's simply disappointing that his potential breakout won't come while wearing a Carolina Blue uniform.

Everyone should be rooting for Jackson to succeed at St. John's, but let's face it: when he burst onto the scene as a top-tier college basketball player, it will definitely sting a bit for the UNC basketball program.