In today’s social media driven instant gratification society that we live in, patience is hard to come by. But that is exactly what Hoosier fans are going to need right now.
Rivals was the first to report that Greenwood, Indiana five star class of 2019 recruiting target Trayce Jackson-Davis is not going to sign during the November early signing period.
“I have officially decided that I am going to sign late and not early,” he said. “I am not ready to make my decision yet.”
The early period begins on November 14 and runs through November 21. Jackson-Davis could still verbally commit at any time, and then sign a national letter of intent in the spring, although it does not sound like even a verbal commitment is forthcoming anytime soon.
Jackson-Davis recently announced that he down to a final three of Indiana, Michigan State and UCLA. It must at least be considered that this news leaves the door open for new entrants, similar to what recently happened with former IU target Zeke Nnaji.
While we have not heard or read anything to suggest that the Hoosiers have lost their lead here, of course this news is less than desirable. At the least it likely means that another school has bridged the gap, with Michigan State being the most likely candidate. Jackson-Davis was a guest of the Spartans in Indianapolis on Tuesday night and watched MSU fall to Kansas, 92-87.
As we have written before, this is most likely about not rushing a once-in-a-lifetime decision. Irrespective of how fans may view things, from the perspective of the recruit, there is no reason to rush the decision.
Some will suggest that Jackson-Davis is seeking a higher profile recruitment similar to that of Romeo Langford last year. While we wouldn’t claim to know what is in the mind of a teenager (or those influencing his decision), that seems unlikely in this case.
While a highly desirable recruiting target that lives less than an hour from Bloomington, Jackson-Davis isn’t likely to create a local hysteria in the same way as Langford for several reasons. First, he isn’t chasing the state’s all-time scoring record, and second, in part due to his particular skill set and position, he doesn’t possess the same must-see NBA ready game that Langford had as a senior at New Albany.
The Langford saga last winter was truly once-in-a-generation, and quite frankly, most fans likely lack the energy for another such circus.
Nevertheless, Jackson-Davis is by all accounts a great kid and quite enjoyable to watch on the basketball floor. He will be a dominant force in the Indiana high school ranks and is the leading contender for the state’s Mr. Basketball honor.
Hoosier fans will have plenty of opportunities to show their enthusiasm for him in the coming months. He begins his senior season at Center Grove High School (just south of Indianapolis) on November 20. You can see the full schedule here.
While you wait, here is a recently published video of Jackson-Davis’ summer highlights from OST247.
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