Jim Larrañaga gives first thoughts on Trayce Jackson-Davis

Trayce Jackson-Davis more than makes a case as the best player remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Now, he’s Miami’s problem to deal with ahead of their matchup with him and the Hoosiers this evening in the Round of 32.

Ahead of the game, Hurricane’s head coach Jim Larrañaga complimented Indiana’s superstar considering his talent and production on the court. With what he does on the floor game in and game out, he knows Jackson-Davis is the real deal.

“He’s great,” said Larrañaga. “He’s a first-team All-American. Obviously, he’s earned that by averaging a double-double, scoring in an assortment of ways, helping his teammates play well. He’s just a great player.”

Jackson-Davis comes in averaging a double-double of 20.9 points and 10.9 rebounds. The points per game are good for Top-20 in the country while the boards have him within the Top-10 in the nation. That’s before you even add in his 4.1 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 57.8% field goal percentage.

With how things have played out, there’s a very real argument that Jackson-Davis is the best player left standing in college basketball. That’s why the Larrañaga and the ‘Canes are going to have to throw the kitchen sink at him in order to win and move on to the Sweet 16.

Miami players share challenges that Indiana presents

Miami and Indiana will face off in one of Sunday’s most intriguing Round of 32 matchups in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams have high end talent but are also very flawed.

The Hoosiers are led by first-team All-American and national Player of the Year contender Trayce Jackson-Davis. Norchad Omier is likely to get the matchup on Jackson-Davis and knows he’ll be in for a battle.

“Indiana is a really good team,” Omier said. “We know they’ve got Trayce Jackson-Davis. We know they come to him most every possession, and he’s going to be a big challenge for me.”

After that, Bensley Joseph said the Hoosiers play differently than a lot of other teams, which presents challenges of its own.

“I see a lot of their play style is unique,” Joseph said. “They like to give it to Trayce a lot, and they have perimeter shooters as well. So I feel like the challenge is taking away that paint and forcing them to do a lot of their weaknesses. I’m excited for this game tomorrow.”

Harlond Beverly then added that, as a whole, the Hoosiers are a great all-around team.

“Like they said, they’re a really good team, great all around, good guards, great big man,” Beverly said. “We have to be ready for tomorrow.”