Davis keeps team off the rocks despite rough seas
COLLEGE STATION — When a handful of Texas A&M’s players began to struggle and appear to lose their way this season, there was a beacon to keep the team headed in the right direction.
“In order for them to listen to me, they have to see that I’m doing the right things,” junior center Tyler Davis said. “I can’t tell someone else to go hard if I’m not going hard myself.”
And no one goes harder each day than the 6-10, 264-pound Davis, who always seems to be there when the Aggies need him most. That has been especially true since the start of the new year, when Texas A&M lost its first five Southeastern Conference games.
At different times this season, five players have been suspended. That, coupled with injuries, created issues with rotation continuity and chemistry, but all the while Davis kept a steady hand on the rudder, preaching the importance of accountability and brotherhood to his teammates.
“Guys make mistakes, but we love on each other, man,” Davis said.
The Aggies (13-6, 2-5 Southeastern Conference) play at LSU (11-7, 2-4) at 8 p.m. Tuesday as they goes for their third consecutive league victory after wins over Mississippi and Missouri.
Leading by example
In the two victories, Davis averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds. Saturday against the Tigers, he recorded his 13th career double-double with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. He was named the SEC’s coplayer of the week.
“Tyler Davis is as good as advertised,” Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin said. “He scored the ball down low and has a good feel for the game. Even in high school, I knew he could score, but his ability to pass, put the ball on the floor when he needs to and his defense (have improved).
“It was a good learning experience for our young big guys to go against him.”
An example of Davis’ relentless approach to the game occurred late in the first half against the Tigers, when he got one of his three blocks, hustled to keep the ball from going out of bounds by grabbing the rebound and then ignited a fast break that resulted in a Robert Williams dunk on the other end.
“He works so hard at his game, so it’s nothing new — we expect that from Tyler,” freshman guard T.J. Starks said. “We’re grateful and thankful he’s on the team.”
That is exactly how Davis felt two years ago when then-seniors Danuel House, Alex Caruso and Jalen Jones showed him the way when Davis was only months removed from Plano West Senior High.
“I’ve been through this,” Davis said. “Losing a couple of games and having to finish strong in the SEC. I went through this my freshman year, when the older guys stepped up and just took the lead. They continued to stay positive, so that’s what I’ve done with this team.”
Two years ago, A&M lost five consecutive SEC games, beginning in late January, before winning eight in a row. The Aggies advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Time to take charge
This year’s team was ranked as high as fifth nationally entering SEC play, matching its highest ranking in history in the Associated Press poll. But a rash of injuries and the multiple suspensions, most before the start of league play, knocked the team off course, prompting Davis to step up and take control.
“I just talked with them about what steps I need to take,” said Davis of his talk with the coaching staff before meeting with his teammates. “Because I’m still learning, too.”
Texas A&M has only two seniors — transfer guard Duane Wilson and reserve center Tonny Trocha-Morelos — this season.
A little more than two years ago, Davis arrived at College Station as part of the program’s most touted recruiting class in history, which included D.J. Hogg, Admon Gilder and Elijah Thomas.
Thomas eventually transferred to Clemson, but Davis, Hogg and Gilder are current starters — all with NCAA Tournament experience. But there is no doubt who points the way for the Aggies.
“When you go through some tough times, you’ve got to have one voice in the locker room that’s echoing everything the coaches are saying,” A&M coach Billy Kennedy said. “Tyler has done that on the floor and off the floor. And you always know you’re getting his best effort.”