Towson senior Davis shot in Philadelphia; injury not serious

Status for season ‘still being determined,’ team says after forward suffers wound to leg

Towson basketball player John Davis was injured in an apparent drive-by shooting Saturday in Philadelphia, according to a news release sent by the school.

“He was treated for a gunshot wound and released from the hospital,” the statement says. “His status for the remainder of the basketball season is still being determined.”

Coach Pat Skerry said Davis was shot in the leg.

Davis and the Tigers were in Philadelphia for a Colonial Athletic Association game against Drexel. Davis, a senior forward who scored a team-high 14 points off the bench in Towson’s 69-65 win, stayed in the city, his hometown, for the dedication of the birth of his son, Skerry said.

“He was outside of his home when a car drove by and opened fire,” Skerry said in the statement. John Davis

In a phone conversation Saturday afternoon, Skerry indicated that the injury is not serious.

“Thank God it wasn’t worse,” Skerry said. “His health is going to be fine. We’re just glad he’s OK.”

Skerry declined to speculate on a timetable for Davis’ return to the court. “His basketball status is very unclear at this point,” Skerry said.

The 6-foot-5 Davis is averaging 11.8 points and a team-high 7.6 rebounds this season, despite a foot injury that has limited his ability to practice.

After Saturday’s game, Skerry was effusive about Davis.

“I’m going to have a hard time at senior day next week. If you had 13 guys like John Davis, you wouldn’t need coaches,” Skerry said in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. “If we’re fortunate enough to get two more wins, he becomes the winningest player in the history of our program.

“I owe him a lot. He came to Towson after we were 1-31 and had a postseason ban. We didn’t have a whole lot to sell. I’m forever grateful for that kid.”

Towson (17-10, 9-5 CAA) has four games remaining before the CAA tournament, which begins March 3.

The Philadelphia Police Department said its public affairs division, which handles police reports, was closed Sunday.