Jamichael Davis brings underdog mentality, tenacity to Rutgers men's basketball
While he flew under the radar prior to his commitment to the Rutgers men's basketball team, freshman guard Jamichael Davis is preparing to make his presence known in his first season on the Banks.
Davis didn't even hold a rating from major recruiting platforms at the time of his commitment. His commitment to the Scarlet Knights back in December came as a complete surprise, but the mystery of Davis remained intriguing.
Davis originally hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee, but he played his high school basketball in Georgia at both Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High and McEachern High School.
He averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds per game in his career at Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe and went on to average 22 points, 13.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in his 20-game career as McEachern.
Davis also had 2.5 steals and 1.1 blocks at McEachern. His defensive ability is expected to be one of his strengths heading into his freshman season.
With his high-level play through the years, and especially after transferring, Davis earned the attention of Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell, and after his commitment, he went on to garner three-star status.
This season, Davis feels that he has a lot of strengths to show on the offensive end of the ball.
"On the offensive end, definitely getting downhill, getting my teammates involved. Trying to get them in a good spot so they can get a good shot off and look for myself as well," Davis said.
The 6-foot-2 guard is going to bring speed and tenacity to the new-look Knights. In years past, Pikiell's teams played slow and methodical, wearing opponents down as the games progressed. This season, it's looking like it's all about speed, quickness and getting up and down the floor in a hurry.
The team's speed should increase with the pairing of Davis and sophomore guard Derek Simpson. These two and their similar play styles present a constant challenge in practice.
"I'd definitely say we’re the fastest on the team. It’s always good to compete with another guard who’s similar to what I do," said Davis about Simpson. "He’s a great player. He’s quick, and it's always a good time to play one-on-one with him."
Who’s faster between Davis and Simpson?
"Give it to me," Davis said.
Many thought the 2023-24 season would be a developmental year for Davis, sitting behind both Simpson and fifth-year guard Noah Fernandes. Instead, it looks like he’s gearing up for a significant role.
Though it was just an exhibition game, Davis played 34 minutes in Saturday's contest against St. John's. His 34 minutes were tied for the third most on the team, and his 16 points tied the team high. He added six rebounds, two assists, a block and did not turn the ball over a single time throughout his busy day.
Davis will look to come off the bench and play a similar role when the regular season begins. With the way he plays, Davis should act as a perfect spark-plug sixth man for Rutgers. With his natural athleticism and scoring ability, he may be a surprise player in the Big Ten this year.
Whether Davis flashes more individual greatness when the season begins, there is something more important that he's looking forward to.
Davis said he's looking forward to "a lot of wins."
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