Expecting Trayce Jackson-Davis to return to the Hoosiers lineup vs. Iowa

Despite missing the last two games for precautionary reasons, Hoosier fans should expect Indiana basketball forward Trayce Jackson-Davis to make his return against Iowa on Thursday night.

Things are trending in the right direction for the senior forward who was selected as a top 25 midseason candidate for the Wooden Award to return to action tonight against the Hawkeyes in Iowa City.

Prior to January 2, Jackson-Davis had not participated in any contact practices while trying to prevent any further injuries to his hand, wrist, back, and other parts.

Jackson-Davis had “been doing some things on the floor, but not a lot of contact” before the new year, but Coach Woodson had this as an update on January 3:

"“We had a lot of contact yesterday (January 2), and today (January 3) we’ll havve a lot of contact, a little scrimmage, and just see where he is.”"

The last time Jackson-Davis was on the floor was against No. 8 Kansas on December 17, a game where the Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year played 29 minutes and logged 13 points on 4-for-8 from the field, six rebounds, and a career-high nine blocks.

Although his production was evident defensively in that game, Jackson-Davis is averaging just 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and shooting just 48.6 percent from the field in his last four games and that is likely due to his reasoning for being held out of the final two contests (Elon and Kennesaw State) at the end of 2022.

If Jackson-Davis returns, he will come in as the primary focus of this offense, especially against a struggling Iowa defense that will not have anyone that can match up with Jackson-Davis in the post.

Officially listed as ‘questionable’ for tonight’s game, will we see another breakout game as we saw in the Big Ten semifinals last year from Trayce Jackson-Davis tonight?