UNC Basketball commit Ian Jackson earning early praise in Overtime Elite league

UNC basketball five-star commit Ian Jackson is drawing a lot of praise in the Overtime Elite league as NBA scouts are noticing.

Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels have a top 10 class coming in for the 2024 cycle next season with three commitments. Of the three commitments, two are five-star recruits including Ian Jackson.

The recruit pledged his commitment to North Carolina in 2023 and has held strong despite rumors of St. John’s attempting to pursue him.

Jackson has been one of the top prospects in high school and that has continued as he made the move to Overtime Elite before heading to North Carolina. And so far, he’s playing to a level where he’s drawing praise for his game and how that could translate to the NBA in a few years.

Here is what Nick Crain of Sports Illustrated wrote on Jackson:

Set to play at North Carolina next season with the Tar Heels, Jackson has a real chance to be a one-and-done player at the college level before making the jump to the NBA.

Given his size and skillset, Jackson can really play upwards of three positions. He’s a natural off-ball guard, but can also handle and operate as a lead guard or slide up and play more of a true wing. He has long arms and a strong build for his age and is a plus athlete with good burst and pop. On the defensive end, he still needs to find ways to be more consistent, but is the ultimate competitor and embraces taking on the opposing team’s best player.

Listed as a shooting guard, the Tar Heels will have options for Jackson in their lineup next season depending on who returns and who leaves the program. He should be a natural fit from day one in Davis’ system and his stock could be on the rise even more in Chapel Hill.

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