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.
-
3 fatalities reported from crash in Grant County
Three people died, and another sustained serious injury following a crash in Grant County on Monday, the Indiana State Police said.
Amazon Ring ends Flock Safety deal as privacy concerns mount nationwide
Amazon's Ring says it has canceled its planned partnership with surveillance company Flock Safety, raising new questions about privacy and public safety as police increasingly turn to technology.
Lawmakers approve amended bill that would shorten early voting in Hoosier S
The Indiana Senate Elections Committee approved an amendment to House Bill 1359 that would shorten the state's early voting period from 28 days before the election to 16 days on Monday.
Driver critically injured after road rage incident led to pursuit, fiery crash
A police pursuit ended in a fiery crash on Indianapolis' west side Monday, leaving the driver in critical condition after their vehicle rolled over and caught fire.
