Ian Jackson is getting another opportunity to orchestrate things for the St. John’s basketball team on Saturday against Iona.
Rick Pitino announced the news on Thursday afternoon that the former North Carolina guard will be the starting point guard for the Red Storm based on his improvement in practice and putting more of a focus on defense and rebounding rather than scoring.
“Like [Daniss Jenkins], we have worked diligently to improve his assists, turnovers, rebounding, and him and Joson [Sanon] have improved immensely,” Pitino said.
Jackson has significantly cut down on his turnovers in practice from nearly six to two.
“I think it’s very difficult for a New Yorker to play in New York. Very difficult…I’ve seen many New Yorkers on the Jets, Giants, Mets, and the Yankees ruined because of being over scrutinized.”
Jackson will be making his first start against the Gaels since opening night when the Red Storm topped Quinnipiac. He’s averaging 11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 47.1-percent from the field and 35.3-percent from 3-point range.
In St. John’s victory against Ole Miss, he had seven points in the first half before missing all five of his second half shots, finishing 2-of-11, and sitting for the final 11:58.
“I just think being a New Yorker, you get over scrutinized and it takes time to develop into a complete basketball player,” Pitino added. “It’s taken Ian three or four months to get to this point right now…so, he’s come a long way.”
Jackson remains unfazed by the pressure that comes with returning to his hometown to play college basketball.
“It’s not really too difficult at all to play in New York,” Jackson explained. “I have a level of understanding and discipline to myself to where outside things don’t really affect me too much.”
“The biggest thing for me about being home is the chance to build something that’s bigger than Ian Jackson in the city of New York.”
Ian Jackson’s on-court transformation has resonated within Red Storm locker room too.
“When we first got on campus, Ian was always a great player,” Bryce Hopkins said.
“His one-on-one bag has a lot in it. Where I’ve seen him grow the most is in his playmaking ability. The game slowed down for him as the season went on and as we went through more practices. He’s making his reads better as a point guard.”
St. John’s will hope that its new look lineup with Ian Jackson at point guard can be a foundational piece to the team’s success in the future.