UK coach John Calipari visits Ian Jackson, and other top links from the Next Cats blog.
While Kentucky men’s basketball came out on the short end against UCLA during the CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden, it wasn’t a completely fruitless trip to New York City for the Wildcats.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari and associate coach Orlando Antigua stuck around The Big Apple on Sunday to watch UK’s top target in the class of 2024 in action.
Shooting guard Ian Jackson — the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2024 according to the 247Sports Composite — plays for Cardinal Hayes High School in The Bronx, the same high school attended by Wildcats legend Jamal Mashburn.
The Sunday afternoon game that Calipari and Antigua attended pitted Jackson’s Cardinal Hayes squad against Christ the King Regional, which boasts Kiyan Anthony, the son of Carmelo Anthony, on its roster.
While Christ the King emerged with a comprehensive 78-48 win, Jackson still scored 22 points in front of his potential college coaches.
Jackson has recently indicated that a college decision may be coming soon, and he visited Kentucky this year for Big Blue Madness.
Jackson has already taken official visits to Kentucky, LSU and Oregon.
After Sunday’s game, Jackson told Charlie Parent of Zagsblog that he will “definitely” be going back to visit Kentucky.
Jackson was at MSG on Saturday for Kentucky’s loss to UCLA, along with class of 2023 UK signee DJ Wagner.
He’s scheduled to take an official visit to North Carolina on Jan. 6, the day before the Tar Heels host Notre Dame.
UNC head coach Hubert Davis also stopped by Cardinal Hayes to visit Jackson last week, with North Carolina also taking part in the CBS Sports Classic.
Top Kentucky Basketball Recruiting Links
All the tools: Class of 2024 guard Ian Jackson remains UK’s top target
UK recruiting notes: Where the Wildcats stand with underclassmen
Aaron Bradshaw, DJ Wagner win season opener with new head coach
Highlights of Bradshaw and Wagner winning home opener in senior season
Hearing set for January for Camden High School related to basketball team
Analyst takeaways from the Scholastic Play by Play Classic in Louisville
UK signee Reed Sheppard highlights from City of Palms Classic
Sheppard takes on Nazi Muhammed’s son at City of Palms Classic
How does Sheppard handle the pressure of his family name?
Another feature story on Sheppard
Sheppard takes over as North Laurel’s all-time leading scorer
UK signee Justin Edwards highlights from City of Palms Classic
Ian Jackson discusses interest from another SEC school
Class of 2024 recruit Karter Knox highlights from City of Palms Classic
In-state 2024 point guard Travis Perry shines at King of the Bluegrass
Inside look at UK signee Robert Dillingham’s senior year school switch
Five-star wing Trentyn Flowers talks Louisville official visit
This story was originally published December 19, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
