Ian Jackson Transfers to St. John's, Expected to Boost Team's Performance

Ian Jackson, a standout freshman at North Carolina and a projected second-round NBA Draft pick, has transferred to St. John’s under coach Rick Pitino, who plans to shift Jackson from shooting guard to point guard to better develop his NBA prospects. Pitino and several NBA executives believe this move will allow Jackson more opportunities to handle the ball and refine his playmaking, though scouts note he must improve his point guard skills and ability to create for others. While Jackson was not Pitino’s first choice for the position—Princeton’s Xaivian Lee chose Florida instead—Jackson’s scoring ability and athleticism are expected to immediately impact St. John’s, which had one of its best seasons in decades. Jackson, a Bronx native, turned down multiple offers to return to New York and play for Pitino, with advisors citing Pitino’s reputation for player development as a key factor. Analysts suggest that this transfer benefits both Jackson, who seeks to elevate his NBA draft stock, and St. John’s, which continues to build a competitive roster in the Big East. However, some analysts caution that Jackson’s transition to a true point guard may require time and adjustment.