Illinois and Purdue Battle for Jaxson Davis, Illinois’ Mr. Basketball
Class of 2027 guard Jaxson Davis is ranked No. 64 in the nation according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, but rankings alone don’t tell the full story. Davis is also the reigning Mr. Basketball of Illinois, a prestigious title that carries significant weight. Let’s take a look at some recent winners of the award:
Illinois Mr. Basketball Winners:
- 2024: Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois; now at Michigan)
- 2023: Brock Harding (Iowa)
- 2022: Braden Huff (Gonzaga)
- 2021: None (COVID-19)
- 2020: Adam Miller (Illinois; now at Arizona State)
- 2018 & 2019: E.J. Liddell (Ohio State; now in the NBA)
Illinois has consistently produced top-tier college talent, and many of its Mr. Basketball winners have become integral pieces on Power 5 teams. Notably, E.J. Liddell and Jabari Parker are the only two-time winners of the award. This history highlights the significance of Davis’ achievement—especially considering that he’s only a sophomore.
In a state known for its basketball talent, Davis was widely regarded as its best high school player as just a sophomore. In fact, he made history as the first sophomore ever to win the Illinois Mr. Basketball award, which has been around for 45 years. This makes him a major target for high-major programs like Illinois and Purdue, both of which have already shown strong interest.
Davis currently holds 13 Division I offers, including one from Illinois, which was extended back in 2023. Purdue entered the race in May of this year. Both programs sent assistant coaches to Davis’ high school, Warren Township in Gurnee, Illinois, to watch him during an early-morning open gym session.
What Makes Jaxson Davis Stand Out?
Davis is known for his poise and control on the court, making him the ideal lead guard. His ability to shoot with range—often compared to NBA-level shooters—sets him apart, but his most valuable skill is his game management. Davis can control the pace of a game, knowing exactly when to push the tempo, slow things down, or attack.
As a playmaker, Davis excels in transition, in half-court setups, and even off the ball when needed. His basketball IQ and decision-making are invaluable, always knowing when to attack and when to involve his teammates.
Davis is an exceptional scorer with a versatile offensive game. He can hit midrange pull-ups, step-backs, floaters, and finish strong at the rim with either hand. His ability to score in various ways makes him a threat from all areas of the court.
Although he has a solid first step and is a capable athlete, Davis isn’t known for explosive athleticism or leaping ability—at least not yet. His game relies more on patience, timing, and playing to his strengths, always finding an advantage against defenders.
Both Illinois’ Brad Underwood and Purdue’s Matt Painter are familiar with landing top-tier recruits, and securing Davis would be a huge win for either program. With two more years of high school ahead, Davis will likely be a coveted prospect for the long haul, and both coaches will likely face a prolonged recruiting battle for his commitment.
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