Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis officially declares for NBA Draft

Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis officially announced his intent to enter the 2023 NBA Draft and forgo his final year of eligibility.

Jackson-Davis finished his Indiana career as the program’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,143) and blocked shots (270) and was third in scoring (2,258) and double-doubles (50).

This season, he averaged 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.9 blocks per game. He was a consensus First-Team All-American and unanimous First-Team All-Big Ten selection. He was also the Karl Malone Award winner for the top power forward in the country.

Additionally, Jackson-Davis was also one of five finalists for the Naismith Award, given to the top player in the country.

Indiana finished 23-12 this season with a Round of 32 exit in the NCAA Tournament to Miami.

Jackson-Davis’ scoring average marked the highest for an Indiana basketball player since Eric Gordon (20.9 points per game in 2007-08). His rebounding average was the highest since Steve Downing (15.1 rebounds per game in 1972-73). Additionally, his blocks per game was the most since Dean Garrett (3.4 blocks per game in 1987-88).Jackson-Davis is the lone Indiana player in program history to score 2,000+ points and grab 1,000+ rebounds. He is one of only five Big Ten players to accomplish that.

“A huge thanks to Coach Woodson and Coach Miller for allowing me to leave my small mark on this amazing program,” Jackson-Davis said in a statement. “I appreciate the life lessons and every experience this beautiful University has taught me. I have made relationships here that will last a lifetime. From the people, places and basketball it has truly been a pleasure to wear the cream and crimson. I will cherish this place and am happy to say I can call it my home.”

The 6-foot-9 forward played four seasons — two for Archie Miller and the last two for Mike Woodson.

“He’s meant a lot to this program. I don’t think we’re sitting here today if it wasn’t for Trayce Jackson-Davis,” IU head coach Mike Woodson said earlier this season. “He could have left two days after I got the job, but he decided to stay on board. He worked his butt off. I pushed him on and off the court. A lot of nights and days, it wasn’t pretty for him, but he got better. He benefited from it, and our team benefited from it.”

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