BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — When evaluating a basketball player from the time they’re in high school, scouts, coaches and fans all have a certain understanding as to how that player is going to fare collegiately. There isn’t a scientific method to measure the accuracy of the prognostications from those scouts, fans and coaches because there are multiple variables that enter the equation. It’s extremely difficult to predict what will happen in the future. Athletes are human beings that are tested, prodded and diagnosed firmly under a magnifying glass for the universe to criticize. It’s a weight that only the mentality strong can handle, which is what distinguishes Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis from the pack.

The 6-foot-9 Hoosier is accustomed to delivering greatness on the court. Last season, he started in all 27 games and was the only high major player to average at least 19 points and nine rebounds. He had a shooting percentage from the field of 51.7% and saw 34.2 minutes of action per game.

For his tremendous output, he won a flood of awards. He was named to the All-American third team and received an Honorable Mention All-American. Jackson-Davis was also in the All-Big Ten first team voted by the media and AP. He was a Wooden Award Finalist, which is an award given annually to the most outstanding college basketball player. Jackson-Davis was a Karl Malone Award finalist which is an award bestowed on the best power forward in Division I men’s college basketball. And to round it all off, Jackson-Davis was in the All-Maui Invitational tournament.

Those were some impressive accomplishments from Jackson-Davis and it all occurred in his sophomore year. This season, the forward has elevated his game. He still leads the team in points per game (16.0) and total rebounds (41), but he’s found a way to improve his shooting. So far, he’s averaging 62.0% from the field. He’s taken 50 shots and only missed nine. What’s even more impressive, he’s on course to smash his blocks tally from his sophomore season. Last year he had 38 blocks from 27 games, this season he has 18 from five games.

If there is a weakness to his all-impressive game, it would be his free-throw and three-point shooting. While it is known that Jackson-Davis doesn’t attempt many three-pointers, it does limit his overall shooting threat. Opponents won’t be afraid when he has the ball beyond the arc.

However, the major concern comes at the free-throw line. Last season, Jackson-Davis had a free throw percentage of 65.5%, while this year the number has dropped to 60.0%. Those are some concerning numbers.

But coaches and fans have little to worry about when it comes to the overall commanding presence of Jackson-Hayes. He’s a very good shooter in the paint, a strong rebounder and an excellent shot blocker. Dominating those three stat lines will propel him into the discussion of whether or not he will be a superstar in the NBA. He’s aware of his strengths and generates the most out of them. He’s also aware of his shortcomings and does his best to suppress them.

Overall, he’s a talent that is exercising his potential to the fullest which has the makings of an athlete who is ready to achieve superstardom.

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