5-star GG Jackson commits to North Carolina

On3’s No. 1 overall recruit, GG Jackson, has committed to North Carolina for the class of 2023.

The 6-foot-8 power forward out of Columbia (S.C.) Ridge View chose the Tar Heels over Duke, South Carolina, the G-League, amongst others. Jackson is UNC’s second commitment of the class. He joins On3’s No. 13 overall prospect Simeon Wilcher.

Jackson’s recruitment has been a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. Last fall, North Carolina emerged as the favorite to land the top prospect, however, a commitment never came. Then, the momentum shifted to South Carolina. The Gamecocks were the likely destination before men’s head basketball coach, Frank Martin was fired. Finally, North Carolina gained lasting momentum and established themselves as the team to beat.

Why North Carolina?

The combination of the Tar Heels turning around their season, making a run all the way to the NCAA national championship game, and the adjustment in their style of play, convinced Jackson that Chapel Hill would be his future home.

“The run that they made in the tournament and talking with coach Hubert Davis about the new playing style that they have at UNC, I saw that I would fit perfectly,” Jackson said to On3 as to why he picked UNC.

GG Jackson: Behind the scenes of the No. 1 player’s recruitment

While going through the recruitment process, GG also spoke to On3’s Jamie Shaw about the Tar Heels.

“It was a dream come true going there. What stuck out to me was everyone knew my name up there. Coach Hubert (Davis) stressed to everyone how much they needed me, and he showed me how much they needed me. He also showed me how they would use me, with in-game situations and how they were going to develop me.”

Scouting Report

“Jackson steps on the floor with great size (6-foot–9) with good length and explosive pop. He plays with a great motor, switching ends very quickly. Jackson is an instinctive weakside shot blocker. We would like to see him rebound more consistently, but he is capable. Jackson has a good handle and is very good in iso- situations in the half-court. He plays with great balance and a sturdy base off the bounce. While his jump shot is becoming more consistent, he is great in the mid-range, but playing out of the mid-post and with pull-ups. He will need to continue getting stronger, but he is not yet scratching the surface of his potential. Jackson is an interesting prospect where he is already producing at a high clip, but he also has a lot of ceiling left to grow.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst