The rumor swelled since the beginning of the month, and it was Gregory Jackson himself who confirmed it through their social networks : he chose to reconsider his engagement for North Carolina, which he had initially announced at the end of April.
« I have decided to disengage from UNC to explore other options, which can help me continue to grow and position me to join the NBA “Said the 17-year-old strong winger in particular.
North Carolina’s biggest rookie since 2010
Ranked second in the class of 2023 in the Top 100 de 247sports, specializing in NCAA recruiting, Gregory Jackson was the most important recruit for the program since Harrison Barnes in 2010, who was first in the same ranking. In 2019, Cole Anthony was fourth.
If it is very difficult to know all the reasons which motivated this decision, we know on the other hand that the player wishes to join the promotion of 2022. Which would have been impossible at UNC, since there is no scholarship available for the 2022/23 season since the arrival of Pete Nance wrapped up the squad.
In summary, Gregory Jackson wants to join the NBA a year in advance, and will therefore join the promotion of 2022 to present himself for the 2023 Draft. To do so, he leaves the ambitious squad of North Carolina, and should join the more modest program in… South Carolina, his native state.
It’s only the first time in almost 20 years that North Carolina has lost the commitment of a prospect high school student: you have to go back to 2003 to find a similar case in Chapel Hill. At the time, it was JR Smith who had signed up for the Tar Heels, before finally reconsidering his commitment to join the NBA directly, without going through the university box.
More than ever, players are masters of their own destinies in the NCAA.