Ian Jackson sees Kentucky as "dream school," considering reclass

2024 five-star guard Ian Jackson is widely considered the top two-way threat in his class, a versatile scorer on offense and a terror on defense. Those talents, along with his dog mentality, were put on full display on day one at the 2022 Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas, stepping off the plane — flight issues forced him to arrive at the event just minutes before his team’s first game — and casually dropping 22 points.

NBA teams in attendance were oohing and aahing at the performance, raving about the 6-foot-5 guard’s never-ending motor and intensity on both ends. His quick first step created easy scoring opportunities at the basket, but he also thrived as a facilitator. “He’s so unselfish,” one scout told KSR. Then came the picked pockets and jumped passing lanes, setting up quick buckets in transition, led by Jackson.

Establishing a defensive identity

He’s confident offensively, but defense is his pride and joy.

“The way I get after it on the defensive end,” Jackson told KSR. “I take pride in no one scoring on me. It’s probably a New York thing for me, I really take pride on that end of the floor, making sure no one scores. I lock things down on that end of the floor. That’s what separates me.”

It’s a mentality he really tried to drive home as a member of the 2021 USA Basketball U16 National Team. In an event carried by standout shooting and scoring, Jackson wanted to separate himself from the competition defensively. From there, he’s gone out of his way to make that his identity.

“I developed (that mentality) at USA camp last year, knowing that everyone there could score,” he said. “Playing defense is the only way you can stay on the floor for a long time. If that’s what it takes to stay on the floor, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

He showed it off throughout his sophomore season in high school, then again on the adidas 3SSB circuit this spring, and now at Pangos this summer. He’s turning heads at every stop, with the latest rankings reflecting that, coming in at No. 2 overall in the latest 2024 On3 Player Rankings.

Expanding his offensive game

Combine that with his offensive growth, and there’s a reason he’s seen as a prime contender for the No. 1 overall spot in his class when the dust settles.

“The jump shot is definitely what’s changed over the summer, really,” Jackson told KSR. “It became way more consistent, being able to knock it down. I’m more confident handling the two (position), putting myself in position to come off pick and rolls, making plays, that definitely changed for me. Making plays and knocking down jump shots.”

Currently seen as a combo guard capable of playing both on- and off-ball, the five-star prospect is working toward becoming a primary ball handler at the one. He feels he can play any of the guard positions, but believes his playmaking has grown enough to run the point at the next level.

Whatever the team needs him to do, he’s ready.

“I feel like I thrive off the ball, but I’m trying to convert myself into more of a one where I can make plays and be more comfortable with the ball,” he said. “Right now, I’d say I’m more of a combo guard, really. I can do both, really. Whatever the team needs me to do, I can do.”

A champion mindset

Programs recruiting the top-three prospect aren’t yet defining a role for him, and they don’t need to. Schools see him as an immediate plug-and-play piece, one capable of leading a team to a national championship. Get him now, worry about roles and positions later.

“All schools are saying I’m definitely someone who can come in and win a championship for them,” Jackson told KSR. “They’re not specifying an individual role yet, just saying I’m someone who can be effective and win a championship. Every school says I can be the focal point of their recruiting class.”

Among those schools? The University of Kentucky, who has placed Jackson at the top of its priority list in the rising junior class.

“(My recruitment) is going great,” he said. “I’m hearing from the schools I want to hear from, really. I like what every school is saying, they’re constantly reaching out and talking to me. It’s going really well right now. Kentucky, Oregon, UCLA is talking a lot. I’ve talked to Syracuse a lot. Kentucky hasn’t offered yet, but Tennessee has reached out and offered, and Texas Tech. Those are the main ones.”

Kentucky emerges as a top contender

Kentucky has yet to extend a scholarship offer, the norm for players his grade. John Calipari has never offered a prospect prior to the direct recruiting period, which starts the summer before their junior year. The UK head coach wants to evaluate recruits in person, then extend a formal offer when direct contact is allowed starting June 15. That’s been the case since he first arrived in Lexington.

Just over a week away from that contact period, Jackson is expected to be one of the first players in the class of 2024 to earn an offer from Kentucky.

“It would mean a lot,” Jackson told KSR. “It would definitely mean a lot, knowing they were one of my dream schools growing up. That’s a school I’ve been looking forward to going to, hopefully going to. That would mean a lot to me.”

What’s the appeal of Kentucky? The opportunity to play for Calipari and develop into a pro.

“I would be able to play for John Calipari,” he said. “There’s a lot that he knows about making a pro and he would help me do what it takes to become a pro.”

The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander connection

Kentucky’s long list of standout guards also appeals to the 6-foot-5 standout, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being a player he models his game after. Seeing what Calipari was able to do with the Oklahoma City Thunder star is quite intriguing, says Jackson.

“From watching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he definitely drew me more into that school and that program,” he told KSR. “He made me want to be like him, take things from his game and grow from his game. Seeing the way John Calipari helped him, I think he could help me. We have a similar frame, a similar game.”

Orlando Antigua has taken the lead on Jackson’s recruitment, regularly checking in to see how he and his family are doing. He’s felt the love from the Wildcats from the start, and the five-star guard is returning the favor.

Other potential options

Kentucky was his top dream school growing up, but he’s also always liked North Carolina and its status as a blue-blood program. The Tar Heels, though, haven’t ramped up interest as of yet.

“North Carolina (is another school I’ve liked), but I’m not really hearing from them yet,” said Jackson. “I liked their jerseys, the blue, that’s what drew me into them as a young kid. Now watching their game, understanding the coaching. My mutual friends who have gone there, too. That’s something I’m looking into.”

A program that is making a push? Oregon, with Jackson building a close relationship with assistant coach Chuck Martin, a fellow native of The Bronx.

“Their assistant coach, we have a really close relationship,” Jackson said of his interest in Oregon. “He’s from The Bronx like where I’m from, so we understand the same living conditions we had growing up, the struggles. There’s a connection there.”

Beyond other schools of interest, Jackson said he’s also hearing from two professional options in the G League Ignite and Overtime Elite. Those are two routes he’s planning to learn more about and explore in the coming months.

“G League has reached out, Overtime has reached out,” he said. “Those are two options I still have a lot more to learn about it, but I’m open to it. It’s not something I’ll turn down right away.”

Keep an eye on a reclass

There’s also a chance Jackson’s entire timeline gets pushed up, as reclassification whispers continue to grow louder going into his junior year. Physically ready for the next level, he’s not denying that a jump to 2023 is on the table.

“That’s definitely something I’ve been thinking about,” Jackson told KSR. “I’m not going to say a definite yes or no, but it’s something I’m considering. If it would happen, it would happen after my junior year. That’s when I’d make it happen.”

Needless to say, it’s an important year coming up for the standout guard prospect. It’s one where he’s looking to prove he’s not only among the best in his current grade, but all of high school basketball.

“I can’t discount other players, I think every player in high school basketball is good,” Jackson told KSR. “But I definitely think I’m a good player and I’m going to keep improving and proving I’m one of the best players in the country.”