RICHMOND, Ky. – Jackson Davis, a Lexington native and finalist for Kentucky’s coveted “Mr. Basketball” award in 2014, has signed to play at Eastern Kentucky University, head coach Dan McHale announced on Friday, April 15.

Davis is a transfer from Butler University. The 6-8 forward played the last two seasons in Indianapolis for the two-time NCAA runner-up Bulldogs.

“Jackson Davis is a monumental recruit for our program,” McHale said. “Getting a local kid with Big East experience enhances our brand and is huge for the University. Jackson is a tremendous talent who plays every possession like it’s his last one. He has a passion for rebounding and a skill set that fits my up-tempo system.”

As a sophomore in 2015-16, Davis poured in a career-high 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Butler’s season-opening win over the Citadel on November 14. He added five points, eight rebounds and two steals in a Big East road win over St. John’s on February 6.

Davis shot 56 percent from the floor during his sophomore campaign.

Before committing to Butler, Davis was one of the top prep players in Kentucky at nearby Lafayette High School in Lexington. He was named first team all-state and one of seven finalists for Kentucky’s “Mr. Basketball” honor following a senior season in which he averaged 24.6 points-per-game, 13.8 rebounds-per-game and 2.3 blocks-per-game.

Davis scored 32 points and grabbed 31 rebounds in a game against Lexington Catholic as a senior. He also went for 42 points and 17 rebounds versus cross-city rival Henry Clay that season.

Davis wrapped up his decorated high school career as Lafayette’s all-time leader in points (2,343), rebounds (1,372) and blocks (321).

“Jackson was well coached at Lafayette by Mike Mendenhall,” McHale added. “He is a tremendous student and a welcome addition to the EKU community. To say that I’m thrilled he is a Colonel is an understatement.”

Davis will have to sit out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules. He will be a junior in 2017-18.

Davis joins Louisville transfer Dillon Avare (Lexington, Kentucky), junior college forward Zach Charles (Mesquite, Texas) and incoming freshmen guards Asante Gist (West Orange, New Jersey) and Parker Chitty (Columbus, Indiana) in EKU’s 2016 signing class.

McHale’s up-tempo Colonels, who finished this past season with an overall record of 15-16 (6-10 in OVC), ranked 18th in the country in scoring offense (80.5 points-per-game). EKU also broke the school single-season field goal percentage record (49.1 percent).