You hear the name Ian Jackson, and you instantly think basketball—but he’s more than just a guy sinking shots. This player came in as a five-star recruit, and he’s already showing what he’s made of. Remember when he scored 26 against Campbell? Or those first few games where he averaged 23 points? It’s easy to see why he made the ACC All-Freshman Team and played at the Nike Hoop Summit. But there’s more to Ian than the stats reveal. As he makes his way in the basketball world, let’s get to know Ian Jackson a little better – where he comes from, his religion, and ethnicity.

Where is Ian Jackson from? What’s the UNC guard’s nationality? 

Born on February 14, 2005, in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, Jackson grew up in one of the toughest, most basketball-obsessed places in the world- New York. And as an American national, he has got all it takes to be the best on the hard court. 

Other than living in a tough neighbourhood, he had a tight-knit family. Born to Dwight Jackson and Latisha Simon, he is one of the seven siblings, all of whom are boys. While growing up, the basketball gene was always there. He first made a name for himself at Cardinal Hayes High School, leading his team to a state championship. 

Additionally, he scored over 1,000 career points before moving on to Our Saviour Lutheran School. There, he joined the Overtime Elite (OTE) league, where his game reached another level.

But Jackson was never the one to just stop at local success. Ian put on the USA jersey and brought home gold medals from the U16 FIBA Americas, the U17 World Cup, and the U19 World Cup.

 What religion does Ian Jackson follow?

Ian Jackson is a practising Muslim, and his faith plays a steady, grounding role in his life, especially during times of pressure, like the NCAA Tournament. Even throughout his freshman season at UNC, Jackson remained determined to his belief. In addition to carrying the expectations of a top recruit, he also observed Ramadan, the Islamic holy month which requires fasting. That meant no food or drink from sunrise to sunset, even on game days and during the tournament. For most athletes, it would be a massive challenge. For Jackson, it was just part of who he is. “It’s not a big deal to me. Fasting for me is what I have to do. I’ll be fine. My faith comes first, so I’m fasting. God allows me to have the strength to go out there and play.”

Despite fasting through games in and games out, he didn’t ask for special treatment or bring attention to it. His mindset has always been straightforward and focused. When asked if fasting affected his performance, he was matter-of-fact. Additionally, as he describes, he gets full support from his teammates as well as the coaches during the holy month. “This is something that we do to get closer to God. So, for me, it’s been good… This is my third year of fasting.”

He converted to Islam three years ago. Though his parents aren’t Muslim. 

What is Ian Jackson’s Ethnicity?

Despite his religious beliefs being highly talked of at times, no major publications have mentioned Ian Jackson’s ethnicity. Although 43% of the people living in Harlem are African Americans, 31% of them are Hispanic, while White remains at 17%. But since it’s not mentioned in the bold, it’s better to leave it up to him.