All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Recruiting Prize Ian Jackson Activates Clutch Mode

Future UNC basketball speedster Ian Jackson looks like an explosive weapon in crunch time.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Starring for Jelly Fam as part of Overtime Elite action in Atlanta's OTE Arena on Friday night, Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) senior and premier 2024 UNC basketball signee Ian Jackson ensured victory over Rolling Loud via his lightning quick drive and score off the glass in the closing seconds of overtime.

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Jelly Fam led, 82-81, with the ball in Jackson's hands at the top of key. All the five-star guard needed was a powerful crossover to shake his defender and one more dribble to glide to the hoop. In the following post, the Overtime Elite account referred to the basket as the game-winner, but in actuality, it was just a clutch-mode win-sealer:

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Ian Jackson, who ranks No. 8 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and has been committed to UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff since January 2023, finished the contest with a game-high 28 points, shooting 11-for-18 from the field, 1-for-5 from deep, and 5-for-6 at the charity stripe.

He added nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across his 35 minutes on the floor.

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Jackson is one of three 2024 recruits who signed their national letter of intent with the Tar Heels during the early signing period in November. The other pair includes a fellow McDonald's All-American in Northwood (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell, along with Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown.

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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