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.
-
From snow to severe weather: How to prepare to weather the storm
Just three weeks ago, Indiana was blanketed in snow, and Hoosiers were battling extreme cold. Now, with snow barely off the ground, we have a risk for severe weather on Thursday.
Candlelit vigil honors fallen Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott
The City of Beech Grove is inviting the community to gather for a candlelit vigil to honor the life and service of Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday.
Beech Grove officer killed remembered as 'one of our own'
A Beech Grove police officer who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call Monday night is being remembered as a hometown hero who dedicated his life to service.
Central IN Police Foundation launch fundraiser for family of Officer Elliott
An official family-approved fund to support the family of fallen Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott has launched on Tuesday, the Central Indiana Police Foundation said