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Rick Pitino, St. John's Predicted to Land Elite ACC Transfer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 3:21 PM ET

St. John’s basketball and head coach Rick Pitino might be getting a huge boost soon.

Ian Jackson, one of the top players in the ACC, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after his freshman season at North Carolina — and many believe he could end up with the Red Storm.

Jackson is a Bronx native and played high school ball at Our Saviour Lutheran School in New York.

He was a five-star recruit and ranked No. 8 overall in the 2024 recruiting class. He also ranked as the No. 4 shooting guard. He picked North Carolina over Kentucky, but now, a return home could be on the horizon.

According to Jeff Goodman of "The Field of 68," St. John’s is in a great spot to land him.

“I would be surprised if Ian Jackson doesn't ultimately end up with St. John's,” Goodman said on Thursday.

"I would be surprised if Ian Jackson doesn't ultimately end up with St. John's" - @GoodmanHoops

LATEST portal updates ⬇️⬇️https://t.co/s7N7WhKVSa https://t.co/VCejizSVPK
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 10, 2025

Jackson had a strong year at UNC. He averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. He shot 45.6% from the field, 39.5% from three, and 72.3% from the free-throw line. He started 12 straight games and during that stretch, he put up 15.3 points per game.

If Rick Pitino can land Jackson, it would be a major win for the St. John’s basketball program.

Jackson’s scoring, shooting, and energy would be a huge addition to a team looking to compete at a higher level next season.

With the NCAA transfer portal heating up, this is a name to watch — and right now, St. John’s is looking like the favorite.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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