GG Jackson is headed to North Carolina.
A competitive recruiting process, which saw some twists and turns the last few months, is over. Jackson, a 5-star power forward from Columbia (S.C.) Ridge View, will play for the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound Jackson is a premier talent and easily the top recruit in the early stages of the Hubert Davis era.
ESPN ranks Jackson as the No. 6 prospect in the 2023 class, while 247 Sports slots him at No. 8. The 247 Sports composite ranking has Jackson as the No. 5 prospect in 2023.
Jackson announced the decision Wednesday afternoon at Ridge View’s campus.
Assistant coach Jeff Lebo led North Carolina’s recruitment of Jackson. Sean May was a big influence for Jackson as well.
Obviously, this is a major addition for Davis and UNC. Jackson picked North Carolina over Duke, South Carolina, UMass (Frank Martin), Georgetown and the G League. There were times when it seemed like Duke had an edge on Jackson; South Carolina made a strong case, too. However, North Carolina made Jackson a priority — and it paid off.
During the 2021-22 season, Jackson averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. He led Ridge View to the 5A state championship in South Carolina, too.
Jackson is the second player to commit to UNC in the 2023 class. Last October, North Carolina landed 5-star combo guard Simeon Wilcher, a Top 20 prospect in the class. Wilcher picked UNC over UConn, Nebraska, Auburn and DePaul.
With Armando Bacot, Caleb Love, RJ Davis and Leaky Black back, North Carolina is primed for a big 2022-23 season. However, with a strong 2022 recruiting class set to arrive soon, followed by a promising 2023 group, this program has things humming under Davis.
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