Imagine being a top high school basketball prospect, weighing your college options, and getting a personal endorsement from an NBA superstar. That’s exactly what happened to Ian Jackson, who received a powerful nudge from Donovan Mitchell toward choosing St. John’s. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Mitchell, a former Louisville standout under Rick Pitino, didn’t just give a casual recommendation—he shared a raw, honest perspective that sealed the deal for Jackson.
During the recruiting process, Mitchell opened up to Jackson about his time playing for the Hall of Fame coach. ‘He told me his years with Coach P were tough, but if he could do it all over again, he would,’ Jackson revealed to The Post during St. John’s media day. ‘That spoke volumes to me. It was like a green light—maybe this is where I’m meant to be.’ And just like that, the 6-foot-5 North Carolina transfer chose St. John’s over USC, Georgia, Illinois, and others.
And this is the part most people miss: Mitchell’s candid admission about the challenges of playing for Pitino actually made the opportunity more appealing. It’s a bold statement about growth, resilience, and the value of a demanding coach. But it also raises a question: Is the grind under a coach like Pitino worth it, or does it risk burning out young talent?
For Jackson, the answer was clear. But what about you? Would you choose a coach known for pushing players to their limits, even if it means facing hardships? Let’s debate this in the comments—because while Mitchell’s endorsement was a game-changer for Jackson, it’s a decision that sparks far more questions than answers.
