In today’s college basketball landscape, transfer portal moves are rarely shocking—but Duke basketball legend Jay Williams was left stunned by the latest development involving a former North Carolina 5-star recruit.
Ian Jackson, who averaged 11.9 points and shot nearly 40% from three in his freshman year, entered the portal Monday afternoon, signaling an early exit from UNC. Once seen as a surefire one-and-done, Jackson’s NBA stock didn’t take off as expected, prompting the move.
Now drawing interest from programs like St. John’s, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Georgia, Jackson’s decision caught Williams off guard.
“This could just be a play to negotiate a higher salary & leverage the marketplace… it has to be,” Williams posted on X. “UNC can’t let him get away.”
This could just be a play to negotiate a higher salary & leverage the market place… it has to be. UNC can’t let him get away. https://t.co/MiZ41HBAwm
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) April 8, 2025
Well, UNC has let Ian Jackson walk, as head coach Hubert Davis looks to reset and overhaul the program following a tumultuous season that ended with a Round of 64 exit after a First Four win. Despite making the NCAA Tournament—something many analysts didn’t expect—it was a disappointing finish for a blue blood program under increasing pressure.
Had the Tar Heels missed March Madness, it would’ve marked the second time in Davis’ four-year tenure that UNC failed to make the field.
Critics believe Jackson was underutilized, especially with limited time handling the ball as RJ Davis wrapped up his college career. Now, with both Jackson and fellow freshman Elliot Cadeau hitting the portal, North Carolina’s backcourt has taken a significant hit.
The addition of West Virginia transfer Jonathan Powell offers some reinforcement, but it also underscores a harsh truth for Jay Williams and others around the sport: in the era of the transfer portal, nothing is off the table.
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