Davis given the keys for Eagles’ takeoff
6-6 junior guard, eager to prove he’s among area’s best, will pilot uptempo offense
Bowman’s Koron Davis doesn’t back down from anybody.
That includes his cousin Johnell Davis, a Post-Tribune All-Area first-team selection last season from 21st Century. Johnell Davis has committed to play at Florida Atlantic next year. He averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Koron Davis is not afraid to talk some trash. The two played together during the summer in AAU. He said his cousin is good but not as good as him.
“I honestly think I’m a better player,” Davis said. “I’m a better shooter and passer. I’m more aggressive and stronger.”
Strong stuff coming from Davis, a junior who got his first taste of varsity basketball last season.
This much is certain.
Davis has the keys to the team.
The Eagles, ranked No. 9 in the preseason by the Post-Tribune, will be directed by the 6-foot-6 point guard.
Bowman coach Tyrone Robinson said Davis started to play well over the final month of last season, averaging around 20 points during that stretch.
His big night came when he scored 20 points against Andrean in a 70-64 loss in the sectional championship game. The Eagles
(13-12) led by 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Davis averaged 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Robinson said this should be Davis’ breakout year.
“He’s very skilled,” Robinson said. “He is a good passer and ballhandler. He understands the game very well.”
The Eagles plan to revert to old-school form.
That means they are going to play fast and press all the time.
Bowman always runs. It’s a matter of degrees.
Robinson likes the speed and defensive instincts of his smallish team.
“We’re faster and stronger than we were last year,” he said. “There will be a lot of uptempo. We are taking it back to how it used to be.”
Besides Davis, there are three returning starters: Jacques Williams and Cleveland Neal, a pair of 6-4 seniors, and Ray Terry, a 6-9 senior center. Williams averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds last season. Jessie Walker, a transfer from West Side, will be the fifth starter.
Davis is anxious to prove that he is one of the better players in the area. Last season he was overshadowed by teammates Amari Sherrod and Tarik Booker. Both graduated.
Bowman has a strong history in the tournament, with state titles in 2010 and 2013 and runner-up rings in 2012 and 2014.
The Eagles always have aspirations of making a deep tournament run.
“I’m definitely one of the leaders on and off the court,” Davis said. “Everybody listens to me. We have players that listen and that are coachable. I think we can get downstate.”