'24 Ian Jackson talks G-League, Seton Hall, UConn and Blue Bloods
Ian Jackson is the No. 2 ranked player in On3’s 2024 rankings. The 6-foot-5 guard from Bronx (NY) Cardinal Hayes was a featured player during this weekend’s first session of the Adidas 3SSB Circuit.
“I have wanted to be one of the top dogs for a while,” Jackson told On3. “Now that I am ranked in the top five, I still got a lot of work to put in, and I know people are coming for me, so I got to play hard every night.
“I get out in transition very well and can score on all three levels,” Jackson told On3. “I take pride on the defensive end and get stops. My jump shot is becoming way more consistent this season, and I can use my ball handling as a weapon to attack. I am becoming more of a combo guard than a wing. I’m watching a lot of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander right now. We have a similar frame, and I’m watching how he gets to his spots, help grow my game.”
The guard showcased his two-way ability playing 17u with the Wiz Kids. On3 caught up with Ian Jackson after his final game of the weekend to get familiar with where his recruitment stands.
“Of the schools who have offered, I would say we hear the most from UConn, Seton Hall, St. John’s, and Oklahoma State. I have not taken any visits yet,” Jackson said.
Jackson talks recruitment
St John’s: “Being where I am from, they are a school I am glad is recruiting me. I am going to plan to go visit them soon.”
UConn: “I have a good relationship with the coaches over there; I talk with them frequently. They are another good school and program.”
“Seton Hall and Oklahoma State were both recent offers, but I still have not been able to talk to them very much, get to know them. The conversations we have had have been good,” Jackson said.
Seton Hall: “Seeing the run (new head coach) Shaheen Holloway had in March, with that school and that team that no one expected, showed he can really coach. That is definitely something I am going to look into.”
Jackson’s take
“Kentucky has not offered yet, but we hear a good bit from them, Duke and UCLA too,” Jackson said. “They all tell me how much they love my game, and they will recruit me, but they don’t offer sophomores like that. They have watched a lot of my film, and they like how I am a dog. I want to try and get out to see UCLA, Kentucky, and Duke once things settle down a little.”
“I will be looking for a place that feels like home. Really that’s the biggest thing for me. I want it to feel like a family where I go, have a good connection with the coaching staff, development staff, trainers, etc.”
Jackson on the G-League
“I have heard from the G-League once,” Jackson said. “That conversation went well, but my dream is to play in college for right now. I am not turning down anything, I don’t know what may change in the future, so I am staying open to the G-League. For me, though, right now, my dream is to play in college.”
On3’s take
Ian Jackson is a high-level athlete. At 6-foot-5, he has long arms, broad shoulders, and explosive athleticism in the paint. Jackson has confidence with the ball in his hands; Jackson is decisive in getting downhill to the rim. He can rise up and finish above the rim and pull up in the mid-range with various floaters and pull-ups. Jackson is a capable shooter from three, but he still needs polish with this part of his game. His shot selection can get a little wild at times. He is comfortable on the ball but would like to see him see the floor better. He has natural athletic tools and the utmost confidence. Jackson can be a high-level defender who gives great effort.