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.
-
HVAC experts share tips to maximize air conditioner efficiency during heatwave
As the temperatures climb, so can the strain on your air conditioner. Experts say a few simple steps can help your system operate more efficiently and keep your home cooler.
Butler’s iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse will play host the NBA Final Cup championship
Butler University's iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse will play host to the next NBA Cup championship game in December
Indiana’s transgender athlete ban stands as Supreme Court upholds state laws
Legal experts on Tuesday said the Supreme Court’s ruling on transgender athlete bans all but eliminates any federal challenges to Indiana’s law.
Ballard turns in 74,000 signatures in independent secretary of state bid
Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on Tuesday said his success in gathering signatures shows his candidacy is a movement.