Ian Jackson is the Scorer St. John’s Needed

The Bronx native’s transfer to St. John’s is Rick Pitino’s most valuable acquisition this offseason.

James Williams, Editor in Chief • April 21, 2025

Former five star recruit and potential NBA Draft prospect Ian Jackson is the second-consecutive ACC transfer that has committed to St. John’s, joining Oziyah Sellers for the 2025-2026 campaign, according to Jon Rothstein.

During his freshman season at North Carolina, Jackson averaged 11.9 points per game on 40% shooting from the field while making an efficient 39.5% of three-pointers. Despite these solid scoring numbers, Jackson’s lone year as a Tar Heel was plagued with inconsistencies as his playing time was slashed in the final month of the season and the NCAA Tournament.

But for a dominant stretch in the beginning of the new year, Jackson showed his scoring potential as he recorded 18 points in seven straight games, including a 27 point, six rebound performance against Notre Dame on Jan. 4.

Ian Jackson’s career day powered @UNC_Basketball past Notre Dame on the road 🔥

27 PTS | 11-18 FG pic.twitter.com/xe0tg6RFcz

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 4, 2025

Showcases like this showed Jackson’s ability to score from anywhere on the court and with his superb athleticism and 6-foot-5 frame, he is the perfect ancillary scoring option next to Bryce Hopkins and Zuby Ejiofor.

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About the Contributor

James Williams, Editor in Chief

James is a sophomore journalism student serving his first year as Editor in Chief. Outside of writing for The Torch, James can be found rooting for every Philadelphia sports team, watching a wide variety of shows and movies or listening to his favorite artists Beach House and Bob Dylan while on runs. James can be reached at [email protected].