Ian Jackson transfers to St. John's from North Carolina
Former five-star recruit Ian Jackson is transferring to St. John's following a standout freshman season at North Carolina, head coach Rick Pitino announced.
Jackson made the ACC All-Freshman team after averaging 11.9 points in 36 games for the Tar Heels.
The New York-born guard joins Pitino's ranks after the Red Storm compiled a 31-5 record and won their first Big East regular-season title since 1991-92. They qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 before being ousted in the second round by Arkansas.
Jackson's addition caps a busy week for Pitino. Former Arizona State guard Joson Sanon, former Providence forward Bryce Hopkins, and former Stanford wing Oziyah Sellers also committed to St. John's after entering the transfer portal.
This quartet will join the likes of center Zuby Ejiofor, who was one of the most dominant big men in the nation with averages of 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds.
St. John's will be without Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis, who declared for the NBA draft, and graduating senior guards Kadary Richmond and Deivon Wilcher. Sophomore wing Simeon Wilcher will also not return after entering the portal.