UNC basketball's Hubert Davis breaks down Ian Jackson, Tar Heels’ 2024 recruiting class

North Carolina basketball has officially announced the signing of three players from the 2024 recruiting class. 

James Brown, Ian Jackson and Drake Powell signed national letters of intent during the first week of November’s early-signing period, giving UNC head coach Hubert Davis a group that is third nationally in the team recruiting rankings, according to the 247Sports Composite. 

It’s the Tar Heels' highest-rated class since its 2020 group, which included RJ Davis and Caleb Love. 

A day after UNC announced Jackson’s signing, Hubert Davis offered his thoughts on the Tar Heels’ three incoming freshmen for the 2024-25 season. Here’s what Davis had to say about what Brown, Jackson and Powell can provide for UNC. 

UNC basketball signee James Brown 

In a school-issued statement, Hubert Davis said Brown is “exactly what we wanted and needed from this class.” A 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward from Illinois, Brown is a four-star recruit and No. 68 nationally, according to 247Sports. 

"I'm happy James is officially a part of our UNC family and program," Davis said. 

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“Being from Chicago, he knows how to compete and work hard every day trying to become the best he can be on the court, off the court and in the classroom. 

“As a big, he can finish at the basket with either hand, he can shoot the three, he's an elite rebounder and shot blocker, and he's a versatile defender. He is exactly what we wanted and needed from this class. James has an amazing family, and he is so much fun to be around. I'm so glad he's a Tar Heel."

Ian Jackson 

Davis said Jackson “is exactly why I love New York guards.” The 6-foot-5 guard is the 10th-ranked recruit nationally in the 247Sports Composite. 

"He's tough, competitive and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Ian can also straight up score – with the ball, off the ball, in transition,” Davis said. 

“He can get buckets but also loves to pass and is a great defensive player. I have never seen a kid as competitive as Ian who is also as humble and kind off the court. He has a smile and a personality that will light up the Smith Center, and I'm so excited he is a Tar Heel."

Drake Powell 

The highest-ranked recruit in the bunch at No. 9 in the 247Sports Composite, Powell is described by Davis as “a rare combination of humbleness, competitiveness and teamwork.” 

"He has a team-first mentality and wants to learn and improve every day. He also has elite length and athleticism at the wing, and he can dominate on both ends of the floor,” Davis said. 

“Drake can score and defend at the highest level. He committed early to Carolina, and he is exactly what we are looking for—a great person and a talented athlete from an amazing family. I'm so excited Drake is a Tar Heel."

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.