Ian Jackson nearing decision, likely to announce this weekend

Is Kentucky on the cusp of earning its first commitment in the junior class? It’s a possibility, as 2024 five-star guard Ian Jackson is approaching a college decision, one that’s anticipated in the coming days.

Multiple sources tell KSR that Jackon, arguably Kentucky’s top target in the class, is considering an announcement this weekend at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, MA. It would likely be a decision made live on ESPN during the prestigious event, with Sunday or Monday floating around as the potential options — the latter most likely. January 31 was previously considered for the announcement date before pushing things up.

The anticipated commitment comes after back-to-back official visits to North Carolina and Arkansas, the former starting Jan. 6 and the latter on Jan. 10. He previously visited Kentucky on Oct. 14 during Big Blue Madness.

Jackson is rated as the No. 2 prospect and No. 2 shooting guard in the 2024 On3 Consensus.

“Putting me in that system, I’ll be great,” Jackson said of Kentucky in an interview with KSR back in December. “The way they get after it on defense is just great. And just Cal, Coach Cal, an NBA legendary coach. I can learn a lot from him and there’s a lot of things he can teach me to get where I want to go.”

The 6-foot-5 guard is widely considered the top two-way threat in his class, a versatile scorer on offense and a terror on defense. He brings intensity and a never-ending motor to the floor on both ends, what separates his game from the rest of high school basketball. Offensively, he’s got a quick first step to create easy scoring opportunities at the basket, but he also thrives as a facilitator. Defensively, he’s aggressive in picking pockets and jumping passing lanes, setting up quick transition buckets the other direction.

“The way I get after it on the defensive end,” Jackson told KSR. “I take pride in no one scoring on me. It’s probably a New York thing for me, I really take pride on that end of the floor, making sure no one scores. I lock things down on that end of the floor. That’s what separates me.”

Could he be bringing that defensive dominance with him to Lexington? Though North Carolina and Arkansas have made up ground, sources tell KSR that Kentucky holds firm as the favorite coming down the home stretch of his recruitment. No final decision has been made, but the Wildcats remain in a great spot just days away from a potential announcement.