Homecoming King: Ian Jackson’s Return to NYC and His Potential Impact at St. John’s

The Bronx is back in the building — and this time, he’s wearing red and white.

Ian Jackson, a 6-foot-4 electrifying shooting guard, is returning home to New York City after transferring from North Carolina to St. John’s University. The former finally -star recruit made his transfer official on April 21, 2025, and is gearing up to make a major impact in the 2025-26 college basketball season under head coach Rick Pitino.

This move is more than a transfer — it’s a statement. Jackson is not just coming home; he’s coming to lead.

Bronx Beginnings: A Proven Scorer

Jackson’s journey is rooted in New York City hoops. A native of the Bronx, Jackson first made waves at Cardinal Hayes High School, one of the city’s premier basketball programs. Over three years from 2020 to 2023, he scored over 1,000 points, establishing himself as one of the top guards in the country.

In his junior season, he averaged:

• 19.8 points

• 5.0 rebounds

• 4.0 assists per game

That year cemented his status as a dynamic two-way guard with NBA potential. For his senior season, Jackson transferred to Our Saviour Lutheran, staying local while continuing to develop his all-around game. He dropped eight 20-plus point performances and played a key role on a stacked roster — proof he could score in any system.

A Season at UNC: Learning in the ACC

Jackson committed to the University of North Carolina for the 2024–25 season, joining one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, ranking second on the team in scoring and gaining valuable experience in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Though he played behind upperclassmen in a deep rotation, Jackson’s shot-making ability, slashing athleticism, and defensive energy shined through. His year at Chapel Hill served as a proving ground — and now, he’s ready to take on a starring role closer to home.

Why St. John’s? Why Now?

By joining Rick Pitino and the Red Storm, Jackson returns to a city that molded him and a coach who thrives on toughness, speed, and defensive grit — all traits Jackson embodies. With St. John’s aiming to return to Big East dominance and reach the NCAA Tournament, the timing couldn’t be better.

Pitino is assembling a roster with serious firepower, bringing in key transfers including:

• Bryce Hopkins (Providence)

• Joson Sanon (Arizona State)

• Oziyah Sellers (Stanford)

• Dillon Mitchell (Cincinnati)

But make no mistake — Jackson is the headliner. His combination of elite scoring, versatility, and NYC toughness gives him the tools to become the face of this Red Storm team.

Projected Impact in 2025–26

Here’s what Jackson brings to St. John’s:

✅ Primary Scorer – Expect Jackson to be one of the go-to options on offense. He can create off the dribble, shoot the three, and get to the rim with ease.

✅ Perimeter Defense – His quick hands and athleticism make him a pesky defender. He fits perfectly in Pitino’s high-pressure defensive schemes.

✅ Leadership by Example – Though just a sophomore, Jackson’s ACC experience and Bronx pedigree give him natural leadership qualities.

✅ Fan Energy – Hometown players always generate buzz. Expect packed arenas, media attention, and energy every night Jackson steps on the floor.

What’s Next?

The Red Storm are reloading, and Ian Jackson is at the center of the storm. If he lives up to expectations, he could not only lead St. John’s to the NCAA Tournament, but also position himself as a first-round NBA Draft pick in 2026.

For now, though, the focus is on the Garden, on Queens, and on bringing New York City basketball back into the national spotlight — where it belongs.

And with Ian Jackson back home, the lights just got a lot brighter.