After wrapping up a top-five recruiting class for Indiana last year, Indiana’s staff immediately focused all attention on a couple of names familiar to those that follow recruiting and those that follow the state: Trayce Jackson-Davis from Center Grove HS and Keion Brooks Jr. who originally played at Fort Wayne North Side but decided to transfer to La Lumiere in La Porte, IN.
The pair of AAU teammates (EYBL: Indy Heat) visited Indiana for Hoosier Hysteria. Both had set up the official visit long before any other official visits to other schools were set up. Neither of them specifically talked about being a package deal together; however, their synergy playing together during the AAU season was undeniable. The two are close friends and there is nothing preventing from extending their teamwork into college.
The 2018 early signing begins on November 14th and spans until November 21st: should Indiana fans expect additional companions to join current single 2019 commit Armaan Franklin? Right now, nailing down an exact timeframe for each of the recruits is a tough assignment, but movement has been made on the progress of both college selections.
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Center Grove High School’s 6’9” big man in the post has been the number one priority for Archie Miller. The first high school game – Indiana was there. The first AAU game, the first you name it – Indiana had staff present. The recurring theme between Trayce Jackson-Davis and Indiana shows how important he is to the 2019 class.
Still settling on the final decision, fans are torn between “We want Tray-ce!” and “T-J-D.” Either way the fans in line are making these two five-star recruits feel welcome. #iubbpic.twitter.com/ljxTD3hGz3
September 28th: Official visit to Indiana (Hoosier Hysteria)
October 5th: Official visit to Michigan State
No additional visits planned
With final visits wrapped up for Trayce, there seemed to be some expectation that he would be in decision-making mode and that a decision would be imminent. Instead, Trayce decided to cut his list down to three and an announcement date has not yet been. Iowa was removed from the running, while UCLA, Indiana, and Michigan State all made the cut. Early signing remains an option for Trayce and the Jackson-Davis family as they have nearly a month to discuss the three final schools.
Son of Ed Schilling’s former player at Kent State, Keion Brooks Jr. made adjustments to his high school plan when he transferred from Fort Wayne North Side to La Lumiere, where he joined fellow Indiana target Isiah Stewart. The connections are deep with the Brooks family given their relationship to Coach Schilling and many accounts state that Indiana has done a great job recruiting the Brooks family in addition to Keion.
“We want Kei-on!” – Chants erupt in the line at Hoosier Hysteria. That clarifies the KB Jr. chant. #iubbpic.twitter.com/4nMPgHsXDv
September 28th: Official visit to Indiana (Hoosier Hysteria)
October 19th: Official visit to Kentucky
November 2nd: Official visit schedule for North Carolina
November 16th: Official visit scheduled for Michigan State
Given that Keion’s final visit to Michigan State takes place during the early signing period, his situation relative to Trayce Jackson-Davis seems to be slightly more uncertain. He has mentioned that he would like to make a decision in November, but he would not limit himself purely due to the early signing period.
Coming off of a great visit to Indiana for Hoosier Hysteria, Keion’s comments regarding other schools after he officially visits Kentucky, UNC, and MSU should be telling.
Indiana has properly invested in the time and prioritized effort in both of these recruiting situations, and at this point it is a matter of just sitting and waiting. For any fans that have questions marks regarding Archie Miller’s recruiting, he would like to introduce you to number zero.
