IanJackson

Ian Jackson earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honors after averaging 19.8 points, five rebounds and four assists in 2021 to lead Bronx (New York) Cardinal Hayes to the CHSAA Class AA state title and a top-10 national ranking. He then backed that up with first-team CHSAA Class AA all-league honors as a junior with similar scoring numbers, including surpassing the 1,000-career scoring mark. “I’m not just a basketball player,” Jackson told Fox 5 New York. “My goal is to be the No. 1 draft pick.” Jackson has been compared to other legendary high school players to come from New York, including Kareem Abul Jabbar, Bob Cousy, Chris Mullen and Stephon Marbury. “I’m definitely grateful for being compared to some of the greatest players to come out of this area,” Jackson told Fox 5. “But I also know I have a lot of work to do and can’t be satisfied with where I’m at. I know I’m a role model for my community, and I try to carry myself the right way.” Jackson also represented USA Basketball at both the 2021 FIBA U16 Americas and 2022 U17 World Championships, playing a key role on both teams. In 2021, he averaged 9.3 points in six games, while putting up 11.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in seven games at the 2022 event. “It doesn’t seem like anything stresses him out,” Cardinal Hayes coach Joe Lods said. “To his credit, he’s a pretty laid-back and humble kid.”