St. John’s Coach Makes Changes Ahead of Iona Game

Rick Pitino has announced a shift for Saturday’s game, moving Ian Jackson into the starting point guard position, replacing Dylan Darling.

Before practice on Thursday, Pitino expressed confidence in Jackson’s development, saying, “Ian has really matured, much like Joson. He plays hard every day and is getting better.” He pointed out the significant changes in the lineup, noting that “everyone except Ian Jackson is starting.” Pitino emphasized that it’s a deserved opportunity for Jackson as the team prepares to face Iona College at Madison Square Garden.

The 6-foot-5 guard from the Bronx has been averaging 11.4 points and 2.5 rebounds across 18.3 minutes each game, with a shooting percentage of 35% from beyond the arc. Although primarily coming off the bench, Jackson is now poised to step up as a starter.

“This is really meaningful to me,” Jackson shared. “I’ve put a lot of effort into both practice and games to improve daily. I feel like I’m growing more comfortable with each passing day.” He mentioned feeling better overall, especially after his last performance against Ole Miss.

Pitino sees this as a significant moment in Jackson’s career, citing his improved performance, particularly in terms of control during games. Jackson had no turnovers in his last match, further showcasing his enhancements as both a defender and rebounder, crucial areas Pitino has focused on since the preseason. The coach noted that Jackson has always been a strong scorer, but he’s now expanding his overall game.

Pitino recalled the progress of former St. John’s standout Daniss Jenkins, saying, “We’ve been working hard to improve his assists, turnovers, and rebounding.” He noted that Jackson has made substantial strides, stating, “Ian Jackson has improved tremendously and is ready to start against Iona, though it’s going to take time.”

The coach remarked that Jackson is ahead in his first year compared to Jenkins at the same stage. “It took Daniss three to four months to adapt, but Ian has made rapid progress,” Pitino observed, mentioning his improvement in practice repetitions as a sign of that growth.

Jackson acknowledged the challenge of meeting expectations at home but downplayed any pressure. He enjoys the support from his family, with around 20 to 25 attending each game, and while he’s aware of the expectations tied to returning to New York, he feels grounded. “I have a sense of discipline that helps me not get too affected by external factors,” he concluded.