All Tar Heels

Future UNC Basketball Showman Goes off in Rucker Park

UNC basketball is truly blessed to have "Captain Jack" on tap for the season after next.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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The premier piece to UNC basketball's 2024 recruiting class, Cardinal Hayes (N.Y.) guard Ian Jackson, who has been committed to the Tar Heels since January, did not disappoint at the talent-packed SLAM Summer Classic in Harlem's famed Rucker Park on Saturday night.

Playing for his namesake squad, Team Ian, the 6-foot-4, 185-pound five-star, No. 6 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, totaled 45 points in the 160-153 overtime win over Team Dylan, featuring the top-ranked 2024 guard in Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) five-star Dylan Harper.

Sure, the defense didn't look like a priority for either side.

And Jackson had some help. He starred alongside prime Duke basketball recruiting target Cooper Flagg, the recently reclassified top-ranked prospect among high school seniors who hit the game-tying three at the buzzer in regulation and finished with 25 points.

But ultimately, the oh-so-slick brilliance of "Captain Jack" earned MVP honors. Indeed, his explosive speed was on full display, leading to countless buckets in transition:

No doubt he looks ready to shine in the ACC.

Ian Jackson, currently the highest-rated Tar Heel recruiting prize since Cole Anthony in 2019, is set to arrive in Chapel Hill next summer alongside at least two more top-100 recruits. Those other early UNC basketball commits are Northwood (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell and Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown.

For now, third-year Tar Heel head coach Hubert Davis' haul ranks No. 1 in the country, per 247Sports.

RELATED: UNC Guard May Be Recruiting Five-Star Behind the Scenes

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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