Ian Jackson, the talented guard for St. John's, is gearing up for a face-off against an old foe.
Once a UNC Tar Heel, Jackson is now part of Rick Pitino's Red Storm, ready to take on Duke in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament. After transferring from Chapel Hill, where he put up an average of 11.9 points per game as a freshman, Jackson is eager for this matchup.
Reflecting on the age-old rivalry, Jackson couldn't hide his excitement. "It's gonna be fun, it's gonna be fun," he shared, acknowledging the enduring intensity of the Duke-UNC battles.
Despite never securing a win against Duke while at UNC-going 0-3-Jackson is ready for another shot. His past performances against the Blue Devils included two eight-point games during the regular season and a scoreless outing in the 2025 ACC Tournament.
Facing a new lineup of Blue Devils this Saturday, Jackson recognizes the consistent challenge they pose. "That name on the jersey, they have the same kind of game," he noted, praising their hard play and strong coaching.
Hailing from the Bronx, Jackson was thrilled when the tournament bracket placed St. John's in the same region as Duke, setting the stage for a rematch he eagerly anticipated.
"I'm a competitor. I want to have a chance to win," he declared, eager to change last year's narrative.
This season, Jackson has been a key contributor for the Red Storm, averaging 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 18.8 minutes per game, starting in 19 of their 36 contests. His decision to join St.
John's was driven by a desire to reset and improve. "I think me coming here was the perfect place for that," he said, appreciating the support from being closer to home and the opportunity for personal growth.
Though he's traded Carolina blue for St. John's colors, Jackson's competitive spirit remains unchanged. "A little bit," he admitted with a smile, as he prepares to bring that rivalry mindset into Saturday's game.
The showdown at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., will see top-seeded Duke, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, take on the formidable Red Storm under Rick Pitino at 7:10 p.m. ET. It's a clash that promises to be as thrilling as the storied rivalry itself.