UPDATE: On May 20, Jackson-Davis announced on Twitter he will return to Indiana next season after withdrawing from the NBA draft. Jackson-Davis still has two years of eligibility remaining.
ORIGINAL:
BLOOMINGTON — It could be the end of an era for IU men's basketball, but there's also still the chance that the Hoosiers could have their best player back in uniform next season.
Trayce Jackson-Davis announced on Instagram Saturday that he is declaring for the 2022 NBA draft while also maintaining his eligibility. That means he could decide to return for a fourth season with the Hoosiers.
Jackson-Davis is a three-time all Big Ten forward who is projected by most experts to be a second round pick in the June 23rd draft. Declaring for the draft allows the former Center Grove High School standout to attend the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago in May to assess where he might be chosen. He and other college players have until June 1 to decide whether to stay in the draft pool or return to college.
"I have cherished every moment wearing the candy stripes uniform with pride," he wrote. "To my teammates: I'm thankful to have bonds that go beyond the court, and a big thanks to to fans that packed Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall every week."
This past season, the 6'9" Jackson-Davis averaged 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He kicked it up a notch late in the season, averaging more than 26 points per game as IU played its way into the NCAA Men's Tournament with three wins at the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Jackson-Davis also made the Big Ten's All-Defensive team for the first time. If he returns for his senior season, he would most likely be a preseason All-America selection.
IU will also soon know how the rest of its roster for the 2022-23 season will shake out. The deadline for college players to enter the NCAA transfer portal is May 1.
-
Jim Irsay Collection memorabilia auction sets record with $105 million in sales
The Jim Irsay Collection auction series concluded with a total of $105,266,766 in sales, marking the largest sale total in history for memorabilia.
IFD rescues kitten stuck underneath car
You've heard of a cat stuck in a tree, but have you heard about a kitten stuck under a car? EMS Battalion Chief Jason Garner sprang into action to rescue a kitten that was trapped underneath the car.
Indianapolis City-County Council rejects proposal to increase OPHS oversight
A proposal to add oversight to the Marion County Office of Public Health and Safety has failed to gain enough support from the Indianapolis City-County Council.
Chances for showers and storms return on Thursday evening
A break from rain continues into Wednesday and most of Thursday. Isolated chances of rain are possible later on in the day.