Trayce Jackson-Davis Returns to Indiana for Fourth Season
"I'm back."
It was a simple message from Trayce Jackson-Davis, who announced on Friday that he will return to Indiana for his fourth season.
“The opportunity I had to work on my game for the professional level was something that was invaluable as I continue my growth as a basketball player,” said Jackson-Davis. “However, I am looking forward to returning to Indiana to be with my coaches and teammates and building off of what we accomplished at the end of the season. There are goals I have for our team and for myself individually on the court, but at the end of next year more importantly, I will be proud to say I am a graduate of IU.”
This news comes a day after reports that Jackson-Davis was unable to compete in any scrimmages, physical tests or interviews at the NBA Draft Combine because of a positive COVID-19 test. It's possible Jackson-Davis would have returned to Indiana even if he was able to compete at the combine, but his absence seems to have sealed the deal.
Jackson-Davis was a second-team All-Big Ten player for the Hoosiers last year, averaging 18.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.9 assists per game. With the departure of the entire 2021-2022 First-Team All-Big Ten, Jackson-Davis will be a leading candidate for Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year. Jackson-Davis and the Hoosiers are now surely a preseason top-25 team and should be in the mix for Indiana's first Big Ten regular season championship since 2016.
The big question for Jackson-Davis in his senior season is whether or not he can expand his game outside of the paint. The main knock on his NBA Draft stock was his lack of an outside shot, which is something to keep an eye on for the upcoming season.
With the return of Jackson-Davis, Indiana's roster is now complete with 13 scholarship players: Xavier Johnson, Tamar Bates, Trey Galloway, Anthony Leal, Jalen Hood-Schifino, C.J. Gunn, Miller Kopp, Jordan Geronimo, Malik Reneau, Kaleb Banks, Logan Duncomb, Race Thompson and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Mike Woodson's year-two roster includes four returning starters, plus the No. 8 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. Woodson appears to have plenty of depth to work with, creating competition for minutes at just about every position.
Jackson-Davis has been an individual standout in all three seasons as a Hoosier, but the challenge for him now is to lead a team to success in the Big Ten and on a national stage in the NCAA Tournament. Indiana is 53-41 overall with a 25-34 record in the Big Ten in Jackson-Davis' three seasons, but has a chance for a special season with the return of its star big man.
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Stories related to Indiana basketball:
- WOODSON REFLECTS ON FIRST SEASON: Indiana head coach Mike Woodson spoke at a Big Brothers Big Sisters event in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Tuesday. He reflected on his first season, talked about the difference between coaching in the NBA versus college and explained how he plans to navigate the impact the transfer portal and NIL have on college basketball. CLICK HERE
- JACKSON-DAVIS UNABLE TO COMPETE AT COMBINE: Indiana star big man Trayce Jackson-Davis was invited to the NBA Draft Combine, but he tested positive for COVID-19 and missed various events at the combine. Jackson-Davis has until June 1 to decide if he'll go pro or return to Indiana. CLICK HERE
- JACKSON-DAVIS NOT SELECTED IN MOCK DRAFTS: The NBA lottery was on Tuesday, revealing the complete order for the 2022 NBA Draft. Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis, who has until June 1 to decide to stay in the draft or return to college, wasn't projected to be drafted in several recent mock drafts. CLICK HERE
