UNC basketball guard Ian Jackson Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Star Presents Award to UNC Basketball Freshman Ian Jackson

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Matt Giles | Last updated Aug 18, 2024 3:28 PM ET

At Damian Lillard's Formula Zero Elite Camp in Phoenix, Ariz., this past week, UNC basketball newcomer Ian Jackson was the only Tar Heel among the 20 college counselors on hand alongside 20 top high school players. But there's no doubt the five-star McDonald's All-American guard, a potential one-and-done first round draft pick, made his presence known at the three-day event.

Evidently, Jackson's performance was particularly loud on Day 3, leading to his recognition on Saturday as the college group's Most Improved Player, an honor that "goes to the guys that made the biggest strides throughout camp."

The 19-year-old Jackson received the award from Lillard, an eight-time NBA All-Star guard, alongside the prep collection's MIP in Westchester Senior (Calif.) forward Tajh Ariza, who is a five-star in the 2026 cycle and the son of former NBA journeyman forward Trevor Ariza.

The 2024 Formula Zero Elite Camp Most Improved Player award winners @22_captainjack & @_theetajhariza

This goes to the guys that made the biggest strides throughout camp ‼️#TheFormula pic.twitter.com/Tcvq5LdEnT
— Formula Zero (@frmlazro) August 18, 2024

In posting the following highlights of the 6-foot-4, 185-pound pure scorer, GREENLIGHT MEDIA noted Ian Jackson's "unreal athleticism and feel for the game" and that the Bronx native is a "PEST on defense" always seeking out "the toughest assignment."

UNC 5⭐️ Freshman Ian Jackson (@22_captainjack) got in his BAG at @frmlazro Day Three ‼️

Unreal athleticism and feel for the game—monster in driving lanes PEST on defense, always wants the toughest assignment

The Bronx native ready to show out in Chapel Hill next yr … pic.twitter.com/umx7IZoOic
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@atlgreenlight) August 18, 2024

Jackson and the 2024-25 Tar Heels, the fourth team under Hubert Davis' command, begin their season on Nov. 4 when Elon comes to the Dean E. Smith Center.