By ADAM ZAGORIA
HOUSTON — Class of 2024 five-star guard Ian Jackson is taking online classes and will make a decision about potential reclassification later this year while also working to recruit fellow New York guard Boogie Fland to the Tar Heels.
Reclassification is “something to consider, but right now my mindset is to stay” in 2024, the 6-foot-6 Jackson, who attends Cardinal Hayes High School in The Bronx, told ZAGSBLOG after USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp practice on Friday.
Jackson said he’s taking “two or three” online classes that could facilitate a reclassification if he chose that route.
“As of right now, I’m supposed to be” taking classes,” he said. “I’m planning on staying on for high school next year, but I’m taking classes, yeah.”
Jackson, who committed to North Carolina over Kentucky Jan. 15, will work in coordination with North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis and his staff on a course of action. The Tar Heels have junior guard R.J. Davis returning for his senior season, while Seth Trimble will be a sophomore. Caleb Love is in the transfer portal. In the meantime, Jackson is working to recruit his fellow Team USA gold medalist and Class of 2024 guard Fland to come to Chapel Hill. The two teamed up to help Team USA win the U17 FIBA World Cup last summer. “I’m trying, I’m trying, I’m talking to him,” Jackson said with a laugh. And what’s his message to Fland? “Just come win a national championship,” Jackson said. “We both [are] from New York, we get a chance to play each other in high school [in the New York Catholic League], so let’s try to do it in college.” Is he listening? “A little bit, I’m swaying him a little bit,” Jackson said. Fland visited North Carolina last October and is developing a solid relationship with Davis and the staff. He also holds offers from Kentucky, UConn and a slew of other high-majors. He recently scored 24 points in the New York State Federation semifinals in front of Kentucky coach John Calipari and coaches from St. John’s, Seton Hall and Michigan. New St. John’s coach Rick Pitino has offered Jackson and has twice been to Cardinal Hayes, which produced former Kentucky star Jamal Mashburn, who played for Pitino at Kentucky. “It means a lot, Coach Pitino’s a great coach,” Jackson said. “I appreciate him coming out, but as of right now my plan is to stay at North Carolina. He’s a legendary coach, so I appreciate him coming.” As for getting an offer, he said. “It meant a lot, him being coach Pitino, a legendary coach, so it means a lot.” Any chance he would flip? “Nah, I’m committed,” he said with a laugh.”Class of 24 @UNC_Basketball commit Ian Jackson @22_captainjack of @CardinalHayes with the alley oop jam here pic.twitter.com/IsHQSYFPh9
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 2, 2023
Jackson and his teammates got to attend the Final Four games with their families on Saturday night and then practice early Sunday on the court at NRG Stadium. “It’s been great,” he said. “These past two days were real competitive, I’ve been learning a lot from the coaches and even the players so it’s been great so far.” Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookThe @usabasketball guys after their scrimmage at NRG pic.twitter.com/Xc8Fzyn6wO
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 2, 2023
