College Basketball

Ian Jackson Transfer Portal: St. John’s Makes Late Push In Race For Former UNC Guard

Author photo
By
David Evans
Author photo
David Evans Sports Editor

David Evans is an experienced sports journalist with over 15 years in the field. He is known for his reliable and insightful commentary, which has been featured on numerous top sports betting platforms. David specializes in North Carolina basketball, college football, the NFL, soccer, and golf, offering deep knowledge and straightforward analysis in his articles. Outside of work, David stays active with regular gym workouts and enjoys relaxing at home with his cat. With a solid blend of experience and passion, David is a well-respected name in sports journalism, consistently providing valuable and informative content to his readers.

Get to know David Evans better
Sports Editor

Published15 Apr 2025

Disclosure
We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. While our content features sponsored links, from which we may earn a commission, this does not influence our recommendations.
ian jackson 1

Ian Jackson is in the portal after an uneven freshman year at UNC. The former 5-star recruit shot nearly 40% from deep and averaged 11.9 points, but never really found rhythm in a role that didn’t suit him. Now, he’s looking for a better fit — and St. John’s has emerged as the most likely landing spot. Jackson is from the New York area and recently visited the campus. Reportedly interested in playing for a high-profile coach, St. John’s seems to have everything Jackson is looking for in his next team. Let’s take a look at the possible transfer portal destinations for Ian Jackson’s next team.

St. John’s Takes Late Lead After Visit

Ian Jackson recently visited St. John’s and came away impressed with the culture that is developing under head coach Rick Pitino.

The Red Storm have been generating significant buzz around the former North Carolina guard, who established himself as one of the top scorers in college basketball last season. He had nine games with 20 points or more last season and was extremely efficient from the field, shooting 45% from the floor and 39% from 3-point range. Even though RJ Luis left in the transfer portal, the Red Storm have reloaded by adding Bryce Hopkins and Joson Sanon, positioning them for another deep NCAA Tournament run.

Jackson, who is transferring from UNC, has been in close contact with Pitino and recently said, “I loved everything about my visit — the energy, the culture, the vision.”

If Jackson decides to choose St. John’s, it will be another win for Pitino’s staff, as another NYC product will be coming home. Jackson played at Cardinal Hayes in the Bronx, the same school that produced Jamal Mashburn, Kevin Loughery, and many other local hardwood heroes.

College basketball insider Jeff Goodman also said that he believes St. John’s is in the lead for Jackson, though he questioned whether a true point guard might be a better fit for the Red Storm roster.

Kentucky Needs An Impact Player

Mark Pope needs scoring wings, and Jackson fits the profile.

  • The roster is wide open. There’s no returning production on the wing.
  • Pope’s system emphasizes tempo, spacing, and shooting — a better fit for Jackson than the isolation-heavy offense he left at UNC.
  • Jackson would likely start right away and be a top scoring option.

If he wants freedom in a modern offense with no positional logjam, Kentucky offers it.

Is Arkansas the Really Best Fit for Jackson?

If Jackson still wants to play for John Calipari — and all signs suggest he might — Arkansas is the obvious choice.

  • Calipari recruited him hard out of high school. They’ve had a strong relationship.
  • Arkansas is overhauling its roster, and Jackson would be in line for real minutes at the 2 or 3.
  • DJ Wagner joined Calipari in Fayetteville. He and Jackson played together at Camden.

Arkansas gives him a coach he trusts and a chance to be part of something new.

Alabama in the Running

Nate Oats runs a fast, spaced-out offense that could maximize Jackson’s shooting and athleticism.

  • Alabama needs wing scorers.
  • Oats doesn’t micromanage — players get freedom to play in rhythm and attack early.
  • Jackson could thrive here without as much pressure as Kentucky or Arkansas.

If those two pass, Alabama makes a lot of sense.

Other Programs in Contention for Ian Jackson

Several other high-major programs are in the mix but sit behind the main contenders.

  • Kansas: Recruited Jackson in high school. Depth could be an issue for playing time.
  • Oregon: Known for giving wings freedom. Geographic distance could be a factor.

These schools could become more relevant if top options fall through or if NIL deals shift the picture.

Ian Jackson’s Transfer Options

St. John’s has surged into the lead for one of college basketball’s top scorers. While Kentucky and Arkansas were early frontrunners, Rick Pitino and the Red Storm have made a strong late push that now puts them out in front.

Mark Pope offers Jackson a clean slate and a modern system at Kentucky, and John Calipari brings familiarity and trust at Arkansas. Alabama remains a strong fallback option, while others are still in the mix but trailing.

For now, though, St. John’s is looking like the destination to beat.