All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Signee Erupts in Front of Tar Heel Assistant

UNC basketball's Jeff Lebo was on hand to watch future Tar Heel Ian Jackson go off for 31 points.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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On Wednesday night, at the Jordan Holiday Classic in New York City, Big Apple native and early 2024 UNC basketball recruiting prize Ian Jackson showed again why he's widely considered one of the most explosive weapons among current high school prospects.

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In a 91-86 overtime win over The Phelps School (Pa.) and its four-star 2025 wing in undecided recruit Will Riley, Jackson accounted for over a third of his Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) squad's points. He finished with 31, shooting 4-for-6 beyond the arc.

And the 6-foot-5, 185-pound electrifying guard got all those buckets with one of his future coaches, UNC basketball assistant Jeff Lebo, in attendance, Rivals' David Sisk reported.

In summarizing the top performers from Day 1 at the event, 247Sports' Dushawn London noted the seemingly unstoppable nature of Ian Jackson's scoring ability, even against top-shelf competition:

"Ian Jackson has had one of the strongest starts to the high school season...He had his hands full guarding another stock rising forward, Will Riley, but from key defensive stops and his offensive prowess he was able to help will his team to an overtime win. [His 31 points] came from his electricity in the open court, his quick first step and tough shot making ability.

"Jackson is a scoring threat every time he touches the ball and continues to excel and polish his game."

Ian Jackson — nicknamed "Captain Jack" — ranks No. 10 overall and No. 2 in New York on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

He's one of three preps who inked their national letter of intent with the Tar Heels during the early signing period in November. The other two pieces to UNC's collection are Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown and Northwood High School (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell.

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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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