Rick Pitino holds the key to unlocking Ian Jackson’s potential

Rick Pitino’s plan to use Ian Jackson at point guard may have surprised some in the college basketball world, but one longtime scout believes it can work.

NBA draft analyst Matt Babcock, who has followed Jackson since his days as a top prep prospect, sees similarities to a current guard in the league who played on the ball in college.

“I don’t think he is a quote-unquote ‘traditional point guard,’ but he’s so dang quick and explosive,” Babcock said. “He’s one of those guys, similar to a Jaden Ivey [of the Pistons], sort of a bursty guard. I would put him in that category. He’s dynamic as heck. He has room for improvement as far as his overall guard skills. He’s already shooting the ball better than I expected him to.

“He’s got the potential of being a very good defender. He’s very active, uses his athleticism and burstiness on both ends of the floor. Being a point-of-attack defender, putting some pressure on opposing ball handers is something Pitino is going to utilize properly. I think it’s a perfect fit from that standpoint. I think Pitino is going to love him.”