All Tar Heels

Only One Future UNC Basketball Player Among Award Semifinalists

UNC basketball signee Ian Jackson remains in play for the premier prep honor, but Drake Powell didn't survive the latest cut.

Matt Giles

Photo: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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As of this week's reveal, Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star guard Ian Jackson is among the 10 Naismith Boys' High School Player of the Year Semifinalists. Neither of the other two early 2024 UNC basketball signees, Northwood (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell and Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown, is on the list.

Even so, with Jackson alone, the Tar Heels' count trails only Rutgers' two — at least for now, as the list includes one undecided senior in five-star forward Derik Queen plus two undecided five-star junior forwards in UNC targets AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.

The omission of Brown, No. 71 on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, is no big surprise. After all, he wasn't on the 25-deep midseason team that the Naismith Awards announced three weeks ago.

But Powell, who ranks No. 10 in the class and is a McDonald's All-American Game selection alongside Jackson, was on that watchlist and looked like a contender to become a semifinalist.

Ian Jackson, the highest-ranked piece to the Tar Heels' haul at No. 8 overall, seems unlikely to win the award. It'll probably come down to Duke's top prize in five-star forward Cooper Flagg and Rutgers' gem in five-star forward Ace Bailey, No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the 2024 cycle.

However, that's not to say Jackson's performances have been anything short of sensational this season (see: his recent 33-point outing while battling the flu).

Since its inception in 1987, the Naismith has only once gone to a future UNC basketball talent: Latta (S.C.) five-star guard Raymond Felton in 2002.

UNC Signee James Brown Steps Up Recruiting Efforts

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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