"Bros going to the league": College hoops fans react to UNC freshman Ian Jackson's impressive stats against Notre Dame

Ian Jackson is establishing himself as one of the top players in a stacked 2024 freshman class in men's college basketball. The talented guard enjoyed the best game of his maiden season with the North Carolina Tar Heels on January 4, powering them to a narrow 74-73 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion.

Jackson finished as the Tar Heels' top scorer with 27 points while also grabbing four rebounds, dishing out an assist, and making a block and steal in his 38-minute performance. He turned in a fluidic display on the court, making dunks, shots in the paint and three-point jumpers with ease.

Soon after highlights of Jackson's incredible performance hit social media, fans expressed how awestruck they were by the Tar Heels' top recruit. Some of them believed he was ready for the NBA, showing their excitement over his immense potential.

UNC Fans were quick to tout Ian Jackson as a talent ready for the NBA. (Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEanHnTSikD/?igsh=b253ZHZoc240YjNh&img_index=2)

"Bros going to the league," said one fan.

"Lottery pick for sure," said another.

Another fan added, "This draft about to be so crazy."

Others voiced their frustrations over the lack of starts for Jackson this season, believing he deserved more involvement in the Tar Heels' starting five.

Other UNC fans believed Jackson deserved more starts this season. (Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEanHnTSikD/?igsh=b253ZHZoc240YjNh&img_index=2)

One fan said, "Top 10 Player in the Country!!"

Another fan exclaimed, "THIS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ITS EARNED NOT GIVING THEY TRIED TO SLEEP BUT HE REALLY THE HEART OF THE TEAM COACH FINALLY WOKE UP!!"

Another added, "Never ever take him out the Starting 5 .. best player on the team by far!"

Ian Jackson's magic night at South Bend backed up by Elliot Cadeau's clutch four-point play

Ian Jackson was arguably the best player for UNC in their game against Notre Dame. However, the Tar Heels needed a four-point play in the dying seconds of the game from Elliot Cadeau to steal a victory from the Fighting Irish. Cadeau was the only player besides Jackson to score in double digits, finishing with 10 points and six assists.

Ian Jackson made his first start for UNC in their game against Campbell on December 29, 2024, and has started each game since. Across three starts, he has averaged an astonishing 25.3 points and 5.0 rebounds, making a strong case to be a part of Hubert Davis' starting five going forward. Overall, Jackson has averaged 13.9 points and 3.2 rebounds.