The Indiana Hoosiers are becoming a force in college basketball this season. One of the main reasons why involves senior forward Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Jackson-Davis, who is 6-foot-9, 245 pounds, has been one of the NCAA's most consistent players in the NCAA. That doesn't just include this year, as Jackson-Davis has been a machine throughout his collegiate career.
Trayce Jackson-Davis was viewed by many as a potential early second-round NBA draft pick last season. However, he decided to return to Indiana and chase a national championship. Jackson-Davis is a load in the paint and is quickly finding himself in national player of the year conversations.
Jackson-Davis made headlines once again in Wednesday night's 81-65 victory over Nebraska. He finished with the third triple-double in Indiana men's basketball history after totaling 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Indiana Hoosiers big man Trayce Jackson-Davis off to strong start in 2022-23
Although upperclassman Trayce Jackson-Davis intrigues NBA personnel, he is undersized for a traditional big man at the NBA level at 6-9, 245 pounds. But his athleticism and strength around the basket is what keeps NBA scouts interested.
Jackson-Davis, who has started every game he has played at the college powerhouse, has also shown the ability to be a gifted shot blocker. When it comes to any weaknesses in his game, Jackson-Davis has struggled to take strides forward with his outside shot. But the talent cannot be denied, and Jackson-Davis has the tools to play at the next level for a long time.
The 14th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers (8-1) look like contenders in the NCAA. After Wednesday night's win against Nebraska, the Hoosiers' next two tests will be big. First, Indiana is set to take on the 10th-ranked Arizona Wildcats (7-1) on Saturday in Las Vegas. Then, Indiana plays at No. 6 Kansas (8-1) on Dec. 17.
Those games will present big challenges for Trayce Jackson-Davis. They also could be opportunities to cement himself as a legit prospect for NBA scouts.
Jackson-Davis is averaging 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 blocks per game this season. In his last three games alone, Davis has averaged 15.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.7 blocks.
The senior big man is putting up production at an elite level this year. If the 22-year-old can continue to play like this, his name will continue to heat up in NBA draft circles.
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