WATCH: Trayce Jackson-Davis announces return to Indiana after NBA flirtation
As Mike Woodson gets ready for his second year at the helm at Indiana, the Hoosiers were waiting for one more domino to fall. It happened Friday — and the Hoosiers are starting to look like the way-too-early Big Ten favorites as a result.
Star big man Trayce Jackson-Davis announced he’s withdrawing his name from the 2022 NBA Draft to return to Bloomington. It’s the second straight year he tested the draft waters before ultimately coming back.
He posted a video on his Twitter announcing the decision and channeled his inner Michael Jordan with two words at the end of it: “I’m back.”
Jackson-Davis was a major part of the Hoosiers’ success in Woodson’s first season at the helm in 2021-22. He averaged 18.3 points on 51.9% shooting from the field and pulled down 8.1 rebounds per game to help lead Indiana to the NCAA Tournament. For his efforts, he earned consensus second team All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.
How Trayce Jackson-Davis’ return makes Indiana a favorite to win the Big Ten
With Jackson-Davis’ announcement, Indiana is now preparing to bring back its top three scorers from last season. Xavier Johnson and Race Thompson are also due back in the fold for Woodson’s group after averaging double figures last season. In fact, the top five leading scorers are all now coming back meaning the Hoosiers will likely have plenty of depth onthe roster.
But some talented newcomers are coming in, as well. Indiana also had the No. 16 recruiting class in the country this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Ranking, led by four-stars Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau. Hood-Schifino is the No. 25 prospect in the country and Reneau came in at No. 26, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
There could be something special brewing in Bloomington this coming season, especially now that Indiana’s star player is back in the mix.