Syracuse Basketball: 5-star priority recruit eyes visits, open to pro options

Syracuse basketball appears to be prioritizing 2024 five-star guard Ian Jackson from New York City, at least for the time being, according to several recent media reports.

As the 6-foot-6 Jackson continues to shine in AAU events, his list of offers is growing. The Orange officially got into the mix for him by doling out a scholarship offer to Jackson in April.

Already rated as the No. 2 player nationally in the rising-junior class by multiple recruiting services, Jackson is expected to make a serious run at the top spot in 2024 when all is said and done.

Come June 15, college coaches will be able to start making direct contact with players in the 2024 cycle, and I’m sure around that time Jackson will see even more offers arrive for him.

Syracuse basketball faces steep competition for five-star Ian Jackson.

Although his recruiting process likely has a way to go, Jackson has obtained early offers from squads such as Kansas, UCLA, Oregon, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Oklahoma State, Connecticut, Nebraska, Kansas State and Bryant.

Duke, Kentucky, Florida State, Virginia, Tennessee and Texas Tech, among others, are reportedly showing interest in him as well.

In a recent interview with On3 national analyst Jamie Shaw, Jackson said that at this juncture, he hears the most from Oregon and Kentucky. He added that he would like to visit those two schools, along with UCLA.

Certainly, Jackson couldn’t go wrong if he ended up picking the Ducks, the Wildcats or the Bruins. But he’s also going to have many other suitors, and I’m hopeful that the Orange can emerge as a viable contender for Jackson.

In the 2021-22 campaign that wrapped up this spring, he was named the national sophomore of the year by MaxPreps for his play at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, N.Y.

More recently, in grassroots basketball, Jackson has proven one of the top performers around the country regardless of class designation. He is a member of the Bronx, N.Y.-based Wiz Kids in the Adidas league.

Let’s see if Syracuse basketball coaches are able to get Jackson on the Hill for a visit. That would be huge, in my opinion.

Jackson did tell Shaw that he’s open to professional options straight out of high school, and both the NBA’s G League and Overtime Elite have been in contact for him.

Given his position as the nation’s No. 2 prospect in 2024, as well as the No. 1 shooting guard and the No. 1 player in New York within this cycle, I’d imagine he’ll acquire offers and interest from virtually every blue-blood program and recruiting heavyweight in the sport of college basketball.

"After high school, as far as what he’s looking for, Jackson said in the On3 story, “I want to go to a place that feels like home. A place that treats me like family, and I’m comfortable being there. I want to get to the NBA, so whatever I feel comfortable will help me get to the NBA.”"