For most college basketball players, the NCAA Tournament is already an exhausting grind, especially with back-to-back games, constant travel, and intense pressure to perform. But for North Carolina freshman guard Ian Jackson, there is an added challenge—observing Ramadan.
This means playing while fasting from dawn to sunset. Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, Jackson embraces the process.
Ian Jackson Balances Ramadan Fasting with the NCAA Tournament Grind
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. This year, it started on February 28 and will continue until March 29. During this period, Jackson cannot eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset even as he competes in one of the biggest tournaments of his career.
Despite the physical demands of college basketball, Jackson remains steadfast in his belief that his faith comes first. He views fasting not as an obstacle but as a spiritual commitment that he must honor, regardless of the challenges it brings.
“It’s not a big deal to me. Fasting for me is what I have to do,” Jackson said before UNC’s tournament opener against San Diego State. “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.”
The experience is not entirely new for Jackson, who also fasted during his last two high school seasons. However, playing at the college level, where competition is significantly more intense, adds a different level of difficulty.
Understanding the unique challenges Jackson faces, UNC’s coaching staff and medical team have worked to ensure that he can maintain his performance while fasting. Head coach Hubert Davis has been fully supportive, emphasizing that UNC embraces the diverse faiths of its players.
“We support Ian, and we’re thankful for not just Ian, but for all of our players and their faith,” Davis said.
“That’s something that we support in all of our players and all of our staff.”
To help Jackson manage his nutrition and hydration, UNC athletic trainer Doug Halverson consulted experts who have worked with athletes fasting during Ramadan.
“We kind of had a plan in place, but we vetted our plan with a couple of different people across the country who deal with athletes going through observing Ramadan to make sure we had a good plan for Ian,” Halverson said.
This preparation includes structuring pre-dawn meals with slow-burning carbohydrates, proteins, and hydration strategies to help sustain Jackson throughout the day. Careful food selection has been key in keeping his energy levels stable during both practice sessions and games.
UNC’s Support System for Jackson
Jackson has developed a routine that allows him to stay as energized as possible while fasting. He wakes up before sunrise to eat a nutrient-dense meal, ensuring that he has enough fuel to last throughout the day.
“I wake up early before the first prayer and get a meal in … a big meal,” Jackson explained. “When a prayer comes in, I can’t eat anymore at that point, so I just fast until the Maghrib prayer comes in [at sunset], and then I eat again.”
While fasting during a 9:05 p.m. game is manageable since the sun sets earlier in the evening, a bigger challenge awaits if UNC advances. Their potential Friday matchup in Milwaukee would tip off at 3:05 p.m., meaning Jackson would have to play without eating or drinking beforehand.
His experience in high school basketball has helped him adjust to these conditions. The first time he fasted while competing was two years ago, and while it was tough initially, he eventually learned how to manage his body’s needs.
“Getting accustomed to it was a little bit tough,” Jackson admitted.
“I went through it. God allowed me to go through it. I’ve got it down to a T.”
UNC’s support staff has played a crucial role in ensuring Jackson gets the right balance of nutrients. Strength and conditioning coach Jonas Sahratian has worked closely with Halverson to structure meals that provide long-lasting energy.
“We’ve had those kind of similar time frames where basically he has to eat well enough in the morning to sustain him through those activities,” Halverson explained.
“So, trying to pick slower-burning carbs, longer-lasting carbs, in addition to proteins that are going to help sustain that energy as best he can through that activity.”
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During team meals, Jackson sits with his teammates and engages in conversation, even though he can’t eat at the same time. He doesn’t find it difficult to watch others eat—his focus remains on his faith and his goals.
“It’s not that hard to sit and watch them eat,” Jackson said.
Coach Davis even joked about Jackson’s outgoing personality, noting that he keeps the conversation going whether he’s eating or not.
“I think it’s quite natural that Ian comes and is talking the whole meal,” Davis said with a laugh.
If UNC moves past San Diego State, the challenges will only increase. Friday’s game could prove even more difficult, as the earlier tip-off means Jackson will have to play the entire game without breaking his fast. However, he is mentally prepared for the challenge and trusts his training, faith, and discipline to guide him through.
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