In a significant move for the University of North Carolina men’s basketball program, freshman guard Ian Jackson has officially entered the transfer portal as of Monday, April 7, 2025. The Bronx native, who was a highly touted five-star recruit, leaves the Tar Heels after a season that saw him average 11.9 points per game and earn a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
Jackson’s decision comes after a rollercoaster year where he showcased his scoring potential but struggled with consistency. He started 12 games for UNC and had moments of brilliance, particularly during a seven-game stretch from December 21, 2024, to January 15, 2025, where he scored 20 or more points six times. His standout performance was a career-high 27-point game in a thrilling 74–73 victory against Notre Dame on January 4, 2025.
Despite these flashes of talent, Jackson’s season was marred by inconsistency. After averaging 21.2 points per game during the aforementioned stretch, his scoring dipped significantly to just 8.2 points per game over the following six contests, contributing to the Tar Heels’ struggles during that period, where they went 2-4.
Jackson’s performance fluctuated throughout the season, and he notably failed to reach double figures in each of the Tar Heels’ final six games, culminating in a scoreless outing during the ACC semifinal loss to Duke. For the season, Jackson shot 46 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range, highlighting his potential as a sharpshooter.
With Jackson’s departure, UNC is facing a significant challenge as they look to rebuild their backcourt. Head coach Hubert Davis will need to find a replacement for Jackson’s scoring ability, especially with the recent exits of other key players. Jackson joins fellow Tar Heels Elliot Cadeau and Jalen Washington, both of whom also entered the transfer portal in late March.
Mock NBA drafts suggest that Jackson could be selected anywhere from the 16th to the 25th pick in the first round or even fall to the second round at 45th overall. If he opts not to enter the NBA draft, reports indicate that St. John’s University is a leading contender for his services, given his ties to the New York area.
Throughout the season, Jackson’s ability to score in transition was notable, as he led all freshmen in the country with 5.2 fast-break points per 40 minutes and 53 transition field goals, according to CBB Analytics. His dynamic play style and shooting ability made him a key player for the Tar Heels, but his overall impact was hampered by his inconsistency and lack of playmaking contributions.
Jackson’s journey with the Tar Heels began when he chose UNC over prestigious programs such as Kentucky, Oregon, LSU, and Arkansas. His recruitment was highly publicized, and he was expected to make an immediate impact. However, the reality of college basketball proved challenging, as Jackson faced the pressures of playing for a storied program.
As the Tar Heels move forward, they must address the gaps left by Jackson and others. The transfer portal closes on April 22, 2025, giving Davis and his staff a limited window to secure new talent to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Incoming freshmen Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis are set to join the team, along with Jonathan Powell, a transfer from West Virginia.
The Tar Heels finished the 2024-25 season with a 23-14 record, narrowly making the NCAA tournament. They won their First Four matchup against San Diego State but were eliminated in the first round by Ole Miss. This disappointing end to the season has prompted questions about the team's direction and future.
Jackson’s exit is a pivotal moment for UNC basketball, as they seek to redefine their identity in the backcourt. With the loss of key players, the team will need to rely on its remaining talent and any new recruits to regain its competitive edge in the ACC.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Jackson to see whether he pursues the NBA draft or chooses to continue his collegiate career elsewhere. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of both Jackson and the UNC program.
