Ian Jackson Announces Transfer Decision

North Carolina Star Transfer Ian Jackson Commits to St. John’s

What Does Ian Jackson Bring to St. John’s?

Jackson was one of the best players in the transfer portal for a reason. A former five-star recruit, Jackson averaged 11.9 points per game for the Tar Heels. However, he played sparingly early on and flashed incredible shot-making potential throughout the season. He was efficient, shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from three. With a stacked backcourt, he still managed to get his shots. Jackson’s ascension played a key role in the Tar Heels making the NCAA Tournament. Whatever the stats say, Jackson brings the ability to score 30 points on any given night to a team that struggled to find dynamic scoring last season.

Jackson is one of several dominoes for the Red Storm. If Pitino wanted to rebuild solely in the transfer portal, he is doing a great job. Joson Sanon committed first to Arizona State. Bryce Hopkins from Providence followed shortly after with Oziyah Sellers from Stanford committing last week. All three of them bring offensive talent and size to their positions. Jackson adds a more dynamic nature to this group. While the others consistently score, Jackson is more volatile. Whether you see this as a good thing or a bad thing, St. John’s will not have the same struggles with scoring next season. Their lack of scoring got them eliminated.

Does This Move Put St. John’s Over the Top?

If adding Sellers made St. John’s a legitimate championship threat, then adding Jackson solidifies it. Jackson needs to work on his defensive instincts and keys, but his athleticism will help. Pitino will get Jackson playing the right way. Jackson also loves to run down the floor and get easy baskets, a staple of Pitino. He is just another perfect addition to what the Red Storm wants to improve on next season.

Defense wins championships. St. John’s had an elite defense last year but failed to live up to offensive expectations. It doesn’t matter how good the defense is if the offense can’t score points. Each Final Four team ranked in the top ten of offensive and defensive efficiencies leading into the Final Four (Houston finished 12th in offensive efficiency, but it dropped after the national championship). Both need to be elite to make deep NCAA Tournament runs. St. John’s has made significant strides toward becoming an elite offensive team even after losing Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis to the transfer portal. However, the question will be whether their defense continues its elite play. Either way, Ian Jackson is a great addition to St. John’s and will have an immense positive impact next season.