Indiana Basketball: 3 things to look forward to next season

A dominant Trayce Jackson-Davis

Trayce Jackson-Davis lived up to his McDonald’s All-American status by narrowly missing out on Big Ten Freshman of the year. The freshman standout averaged 13.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. He also had a team-best 27.6 player efficiency rating.

There’s no doubt that Jackson-Davis was the best player on the team last season. He was a dominant rebounder due to his large frame and consistent effort when cleaning the glass. However, the lack of consistent guard play and spacing on the perimeter really hurt his game, as the lane would become crowded and make it hard for him to operate.

This season should play more to Jackson-Davis’s strengths. Several coaches and players have mentioned a new offensive system that relies more heavily on shooting and pick-and-rolls. This will play into the sophomore star’s hands.

Jackson-Davis’s post up attempts should be close to zero. It just isn’t his game. Last season, however, he was often forced into post-ups and other shots that aren’t his forte.

If the preseason chatter is true, I’d expect his points per game to go up to four to six points. Not only is the offense better suited to him, but he also has a whole offseason to build on what was already a great start to his college career. Look for Jackson-Davis to make First Team All-Big Ten.