Jackson Davis
Three-star power forward Jackson Davis of Lafayette High in Lexington, Ky., was offered a scholarship by Auburn assistant Tony Jones on Thursday, March 20, 2014 -- a mere 48 hours after Bruce Pearl was announced as Auburn's head basketball coach. (Photo courtesy 247sports.com)
AUBURN, Alabama -- The first scholarship offer of the Bruce Pearl era has been extended.
Auburn assistant Tony Jones offered power forward Jackson Davis of Lexington, Ky., a scholarship Thursday night, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Jones will visit the three-star prospect Sunday, according to the report.
"I probably wouldn't have considered it before, but Bruce Pearl is definitely one of those coaches you have to at least consider," Davis told the newspaper. "I remember watching him (at Tennessee) — he knew what he was doing. He definitely knew what he was doing."
Davis is a 2014 prospect and could make an immediate for the Tigers on the floor next fall. He averaged 25 points, 14 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game as a senior at Lafayette High.
The 6-foot-8, 215-pound prospect narrowed his list of potential schools to six -- Alabama, Arizona State, Butler, Columbia, Creighton and Vanderbilt -- last week but said Auburn could join the list if Jones impresses his family during an in-home visit. Florida may also join the race if the Gators offer him a scholarship.
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Pearl is leaving it to Jones and his future assistants to recruit players. He is not allowed to be in contact with recruits as he finishes out a three-year show-cause penalty that is scheduled to end Aug. 24.
Davis withdrew his commitment to Rice in the fall after the school's head coach was fired. The final day of the signing period is May 21, and Davis said he could wait until then to make a decision.
Davis is ranked 68th nationally among power forwards by 247sports.com.
Auburn has two scholarships available and Pearl's assistants will likely target frontcourt players to fill those spots.