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-Davisannounced 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.
-
Michael Strahan to drive honorary Pace Car for 109th Indy 500
Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, two-time Emmy winner, and “Good Morning America” co-host has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 109th Indianapolis 500.
Ceasefire Indy holds 4th annual Friendsgiving to serve community, honor Ron Gee
Ron Gee would cook the food for the annual event himself to feed as many people as he could ahead of Thanksgiving. Now, in his absence, his family continued the Friendsgiving in his honor.
1 critically injured, 1 killed in shooting on Indy’s east side
One person was critically injured, and one was killed in a shooting on the east side of Indianapolis early Sunday morning.
Man killed in shooting on Indy’s northeast side
One person died after being shot in the 2400 block of East 38th Street on the northeast side of Indianapolis Saturday night.
