2023 Hoophall Classic: Justin Edwards shines, Ian Jackson set to make decision

The final day of the 2023 Hoophall Classic has unfortunately arrived.

It’s been a hell of an event so far, with four of Kentucky’s five signees from the class of 2023 headlining the event. Five-star teammates DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw put on a show Saturday night in a high-profile matchup between Camden (NJ) and Centennial (CA). Sunday morning saw Reed Sheppard nearly post a triple-double before Justin Edwards made headlines with a dominant performance later that night on ESPN2. Kentucky head coach John Calipari and two of his assistants, Chin Coleman and Orlando Antigua, have been in and out of Springfield College all weekend to check out the future of the program.

But today — Martin Luther King Jr. Day — is the most important of this talent-infused event. Five-star 2024 shooting guard Ian Jackson is scheduled to make his decision this afternoon. The announcement will come on ESPNU during halftime of the 3:00 p.m. EST matchup between Montverde Academy (FL) and Sunrise Christian School (KS), so roughly 3:45ish.

Jackson actually spoke with the media on Sunday night (shortly after his Cardinal Hayes group was bested by Edwards and Imhotep Charter) to briefly preview his decision. The No. 2 ranked high school junior in the country told reporters that his mind has been made up, but that only his parents know which school has landed his services. It’s believed that Kentucky, North Carolina, and Arkansas are the final schools.

Much has been made regarding some of Jackson’s remarks from that Sunday night presser. Clearly nervous about his impending decision on national TV and stumbling over his words, his comment regarding UNC has turned some heads. It even led to a FutureCast from Rivals in favor of the Tarheels immediately after.

“The family aspect with Coach (Hubert) Davis there, Coach (Jeff) Lebo there on the visit making me feel at home,” Jackson said about UNC. “Just being there, I didn’t feel uncomfortable. I felt like that’s where I should be, from what I thought.”

If you ask us though, we would still lean toward Kentucky as his choice, although no one knows for sure even at this final stage. It’s those last few words — from what I thought — that stick out. Jackson is coming off a recent visit to North Carolina, but we can twist the thoughts of a 17-year-old all we want and still learn nothing. A decision is coming soon enough, though.

Check out today’s schedule below, which includes a second opportunity to watch Wagner, Bradshaw, and Co. on ESPNU. The 1:00 p.m. EST matchup between Sierra Canyon (Bronny James) and Christopher Columbus (Cameron and Cayden Boozer) is also appointment television.

MONDAY, JANUARY 16 SCHEDULE

9:00 AM Girls – St. John Vianney High School, NJ vs. Newington High School, CT 
11:00 AM Boys – Camden High School, NJ (Bradshaw, Richmond, Wagner) vs. Bishop Gorman High School, NV (ESPNU)
1:00 PM Boys – Sierra Canyon School, CA vs. Christopher Columbus High School, FL (ESPNU)
3:00 PM Boys – Montverde Academy, FL vs. Sunrise Christian School, KS (ESPNU)
5:00 PM Boys – IMG Academy, FL vs. Arizona Compass Prep, AZ (ESPNU)

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Check out all of KSR’s content so far from the 2023 Hoophall Classic.

• Ian Jackson has mind made up: “I’m content with my decision”
• Justin Edwards outduels Ian Jackson in battle between Kentucky signee and target
• Sources Say goes LIVE to break down Kentucky’s win at Tennessee
• Reed Sheppard drops near triple-double in front of John Calipari at Hoophall Classic
• John Calipari made a quick turnaround to watch DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw
• Kentucky offer left ’24 4-star Billy Richmond speechless
• 4-star PG Tahaad Pettiford planning visit to Kentucky; decision coming in April
• Ray Allen didn’t feel valued on Kentucky visit: “Connecticut was the place for me”