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Rick Pitino, St. John’s retain former five-star recruit, McDonald’s All-American originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Through the first three seasons of the Rick Pitino era in St. John’s, it’s evident that the future Hall of Fame coach is the right man for the job.
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After missing the NCAA Tournament in Year 1, Pitino and the Red Storm bounced back by reaching the Big Dance in 2024-25 (Round of 32) and 2025-26 (Sweet 16). It’s safe to assume the program is looking to build on its recent success and take a significant step forward next season.
Retaining a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American will certainly make it easier for them to do so.
“I’m back,” sophomore guard Ian Jackson wrote on Instagram Tuesday after rumors suggested he could enter the transfer portal.
After spending his freshman campaign with North Carolina (he averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc), Jackson elected to transfer to St. John’s for his second collegiate basketball season.
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Jackson’s first season with the Red Storm was up-and-down, as playing out of position due to St. John’s lack of depth at the point guard position (he’s a natural-born two-guard), and taking a step back as a perimeter shooter made it challenging for him to find a consistent rhythm.
The Bronx, New York native contributed 9.4 points per game while connecting on 40.9% of his field goals and 34.3% from beyond the arc.
Still, Jackson played an integral role in helping the Red Storm secure two NCAA Tournament wins, and with a better-suited role in 2026-27, he could be a breakout star with the storied Big East program in Year 3.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rick-pitino-st-johns-retain-155941160.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-22 15:59:00
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