All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Freshman Ian Jackson Wows Crowd With Windmill

The UNC basketball showman is getting used to taking flight in the Smith Center.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball guard Ian Jackson
UNC basketball guard Ian Jackson / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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On Saturday afternoon, the UNC basketball program's Dean E. Smith Center was well under half full when the preseason No. 9 Tar Heels hosted Johnson C. Smith for their final tune-up exhibition before tipping off the season against visiting Elon at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 4 (ACC Network).

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Despite the small Tar Heel crowd for the squad's meeting with the Golden Bulls, there was a moment early in the second half when patrons made considerable noise. Their roar was in response to heralded UNC basketball freshman guard Ian Jackson's emphatic transition dunk of the windmill variety.

UNC basketball's official social media spotlighted the slam with the following post and caption: "Hello, world—meet Ian Jackson."

At the time of this article's publishing late in the second half, Jackson had totaled 19 points, shooting 5-for-8 from the field, 1-for-2 from three, and 8-for-10 at the foul line across the Bronx native's 24 minutes off the bench.

Ian Jackson is one of three rookies on the 2024-25 UNC basketball roster, along with five-star forward Drake Powell and four-star forward James Brown.

At least versus the Division II foe, no freshmen were in the Tar Heels' starting five of sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau, graduate guard RJ Davis, junior guard Seth Trimble, junior guard/forward Cade Tyson, and junior forward Jalen Washington. But it wouldn't be a surprise if the electrifying Jackson eventually joins that group.

ALSO READ: Former UNC One-And-Done Coby White Torches Milwaukee

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball 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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