Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
It isn’t easy, but playing for Rick Pitino rewards you more than any other coach in the nation can. Just ask Ian Jackson, one of three returning players for St. John’s set to tackle the starting lineup for a second straight season. His loyalty was rewarded with an appearance on the Preseason All-Big East first team, earning the honors alongside new teammate Tounde Yessoufou.
The first year in Queens wasn’t smooth sailing for the Bronx native, who was tasked with playing point guard despite having no prior experience at the position. The move impacted his playstyle, testing the five-star recruit.
Learning the game differently is exactly what Jackson did, earning 19 starts while playing the facilitating position alongside Dylan Darling.
Jackson averaged 9.4 points and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 40% from the field. However, Jackson showed flashes of his elite offensive capabilities in several contests, including a home victory against Villanova on Feb. 28, in which he totaled 19 points while shooting 5-for-11 from the field.
“I played Ian out of position last year,” said Pitino when asked about Jackson playing PG. “But I will say, now looking back on it at practice, playing point guard has been an invaluable experience for him; you learn the game differently.”
One major improvement Jackson found in his game, however, was his defense, something Pitino unlocked while working through the troubles of the PG position. While the box score showed just under one steal per contest, the former North Carolina guard showed improvement on the perimeter, using his natural speed and length to pressure guards consistently. Pitino claimed following their victory over Villanova on Feb. 28 that Jackson could serve as the team’s best perimeter defender, especially coming off a contest where he tallied a career-high five steals.
“Defense was a huge jump for me,” said Jackson. “Learning how to play defense, learning the Rick Pitino way.”
Following his first year under Pitino, many expected Jackson to pack up and leave for a school that better suited his style of play. That’s not what happened; instead, the 6-foot-5 guard remains a Johnnie, now likely tasked with an even deeper responsibility.
“It was never on my mind,” said Jackson when asked about ever holding thoughts of leaving the program this offseason. “I always knew that this is where I was meant to be.”
After choosing to remain in Queens, Jackson enters his second season with preseason All-Big East First Team honors. Along with this, he received high praise from Pitino, who stated that Jackson has been the most consistent performer all offseason and even hinted that he could serve as the team’s future captain.
“I’ve learned a lot from Zuby. He’s taught me a lot,” said Jackson when asked about his ability to potentially serve as a leader following the departure of Zuby Ejiofor. “I watched him play, and I picked up a few things to lead the team and understand what it takes to be a leader.”
With the addition of professional International point guard Quinn Ellis, Jackson is expected to take on his natural shooting guard role yet again, likely taking reps as a point guard when Ellis isn’t on the floor. Jackson can perform offensively at an elite level and finally put it all together. The New York native gets yet another opportunity to represent his city, making every member of the Bronx community proud.