Like brothers on and off the floor
Strong relationship between Trice and Davison was formed before teammates joined forces at Wisconsin
“He can make big plays. I can make big plays. We have each other’s back in every aspect.” D’Mitrik Trice, Wisconsin guard, on his relationship with fellow UW guard Brad Davison
Their bond – built upon a foundation of faith, friendship and football – was born before they became University of Wisconsin teammates.
D’Mitrik Trice was a freshman guard, backing up senior Bronson Koenig. Brad Davison was in Madison on an unofficial visit.
That visit included lunch with Trice and Aleem Ford.
Davison and Trice became friends almost immediately.
“We started texting from that,” Davison said. “We were raised very similar – faith-based backgrounds. … We both played football in high school. And now we live together.”
That friendship and their ability to share the ball without worrying who gets the points or postgame plaudits have been instrumental for UW (12-6, 4-3 Big Ten), which returns to action at 8 p.m. Wednesday against at Illinois (5-13, 1-6).
“We’re not in competition with each other,” Trice said.
Given the circumstances, it would be understandable if they were, even if only briefly.
UW lost its No. 1 point guard last season when Trice was sidelined because of a foot injury after playing only 10 games.
With Trice out, Davison had to take on the role of lead guard. More often than not, Davison had the ball
late in the shot clock and often was asked to take crucial shots.
Despite battling an injury to his left shoulder for most of the season, Davison averaged 11.2 points and 2.3 assists and was named to the Big Ten all-freshman team.
Davison understood, however, that a healthy Trice would return to the role of lead guard.
“There was no hesitation,” Davison said. “We are best friends. We are extremely close and we both want what is best for the team and he is playing extremely well.
“I just want to play basketball, whether it is from the one or the two. Because when it comes down to it, you can lead from any position.
“That is the main role for me on this team – to be a leader, to encourage, to keep things positive. And I think that takes some pressure off either D’Mitrik or Ethan.”
Trice enters the Illinois game second on the team in scoring behind Ethan Happ at 13.9 points per game. Although his three-point shooting has fallen off, he is still at 44.3 percent (47 of 106). Trice also has nearly twice as many assists (51) as turnovers (26).
Davison, hobbled by a right foot/ankle injury, is third on the team in scoring (10.3) and is shooting 42.4 percent from three-point range.
“We’ve never had an argument at the end of the shot clock,” Trice said. “For me, it can go both ways. He can make big plays. I can make big plays. We have each other’s back in every aspect.”
After Trice grabbed a critical defensive rebound late in UW’s victory at Iowa to open Big Ten play, the first teammate to offer congratulations was Davison.
After Davison drew a critical charge late in UW’s victory over North Carolina State, Trice celebrated with a fist pump that was so violent he resembled a pitcher trying to break the radar gun.
“There was no worry about any rift ever happening,” UW assistant Dean Oliver said.
“Just knowing Brad and his personality and what type of person he is and what kind of teammate he is ... zero concerns with that.
“They can be interchangeable.” And inseparable.
Both played quarterback in high school. Both are natural leaders. Both believe they can hit winning shots. Neither is afraid to share his Christian faith, either through conversation or social media.
“It has helped our relationship immensely,” Trice said when asked about his faith.
“Not only are we living together but we also go to church together. We do devotion before the game. It has elevated our off-court camaraderie as well as our on-court relationship.
“But also, in our faith we have both grown from knowing each other and knowing each other’s families.”
Davison needed time to adjust to his new role in the offense, particularly not having the ball late in the shot clock.
He has made 17 of 36 shots over the last four games and is averaging 11.5 points in that stretch.
Both players produced critical plays in the second half of UW’s 64-54 victory over Michigan last week.
“We’ve always been there for each other,” Davison said. “We both want each other to be successful.
“We live with each other. We’re in classes together. We go out to dinner together. I think that bond has grown over time.
“We have similar goals for this year and the goals aren’t personal.
“I didn’t come to Wisconsin to have the ball in my hands the whole game and score a bunch of points and to do this and do that. I came to Wisconsin to compete for Final Fours, to be a top-10 team in the country.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team be successful.”
As will Trice.