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Ian Jackson Shares Advice From Donovan Mitchell Heading Into First Season at St. John’s

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 5:22 PM ET

Former North Carolina Tar Heels guard and Bronx, New York, native Ian Jackson transferred to the St. John’s Red Storm on April 21 to join Rick Pitino’s roster.

Jackson, 20, helped North Carolina reach the NCAA Tournament this season by averaging 11.9 points per game off the bench as a freshman. He scored over 20 points in games against high-caliber opponents such as Alabama, UCLA and Louisville.

However, his role and minutes declined as the season progressed, which led to him entering the transfer portal in April. Jackson returned to New York to visit and commit to St. John’s after its historic second season under Pitino.

Following the transfer, he participated in his unofficial first workout at the school's practice facility, where he practiced his 3-point shot, something he’s expected to focus on more with the Red Storm.

Jackson also did in an interview with Jordan Pettway from Shake Squad Media, where he discussed the advice that he received from Cleveland Cavaliers guard and Pitino’s former Louisville Cardinal player, Donovan Mitchell.

“We talked briefly, and it became about his experience with coach Pitino,” Jackson said. “And he told me it’s going to be hard going through it, but at the end of the day he got it done and if he could do it again he would.”

The former five-star recruit and Mitchell formed a strong relationship from being Adidas athletes, who have appeared in advertisements to promote Mitchell’s signature shoes, the Adidas “D.O.N.”

Mitchell played under Pitino for the Cardinals from 2015-17 and earned First Team All-ACC honors in his sophomore season. He is now a six-time NBA All-Star and was named First Team All-NBA this season.

“For (Mitchell) to be who he is and say he’ll go through that battle and hardship again means a lot,” Jackson added. “You know it means it [paid] off.”

Jackson is now heading into Pitino’s system, known for emphasizing and motivating athletes to improve their defense, 3-point shooting and conditioning.

Jackson is expected to be the Red Storm's starting point guard, following multiple players transferring or graduating from the program this offseason.

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

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