Wisconsin sophomore guard Johnny Davis is leaving school to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft, as relayed by Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Davis is considered a potential top-10 pick and is currently ranked No. 9 overall on ESPN’s list of 100 of draft prospects. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year, averaging 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Davis is 6-foot-5 and said he intends to hire an agent, a move that would keep him from returning to school.
“This season was an unbelievable ride,” Davis said. “People didn’t expect us to have the season we had, but the players in our locker room and our coaching staff always knew we had the potential to be a special team.
“With so many great teams and players in our league, it was obviously a huge honor to win Big Ten Player of the Year, but winning the Big Ten regular-season title and playing in the NCAA tournament was so much sweeter. I would like to think NBA teams saw a player who is tough, who competes on both ends of the court every single possession and who will do whatever it takes to help my team win. Every time I step on the floor, I want to be the best player.”
Davis wasn’t considered a Five Star prospect when coming out of high school, but made a quick rise while with the Badgers. He has drawn comparisons to current Magic guard Jalen Suggs, a lottery pick out of Gonzaga.
“I think NBA teams can learn that the path to the NBA is not the same for all players. I wasn’t highly ranked in high school, and I went to Wisconsin to change the narrative surrounding our program,” Davis said. “My dad always told me that production will always trump potential and to keep my focus on playing hard and winning, and that has stayed with me.”
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