Eric Davis Commitment

Rick Barnes and the Longhorns roped in their first recruit in the class of 2015 when 6’3” shooting guard Eric Davis announced his intention to play for the University of Texas. Davis is currently ranked No. 45 overall by Scout.com and the No. 12 shooting guard in the country. He currently attends Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI and spurned in-state suitors Michigan and Michigan State with his announcement. 

The sweet shooting Davis has been on the national radar for awhile and recently finished a busy summer playing in the Nike EYBL, the NBPA Top 100 camp, the Nike Global Challenge, and also the USA 17U tryouts in Colorado Springs. He averaged 17.4 points per game during the AAU season while scoring in double figures in 16 out of 17 games. In his three day tryout for the USA 17U team, Davis displayed his feathery shooting touch and was one of the top outside shooters in attendance.

This past season Davis averaged 27 points per game at Arthur Hill high and at one point most people thought that Davis was a lock to become a Spartan or Wolverine. During his first three years in high school, Davis visited both campuses several times and took in numerous games in East Lansing and Ann Arbor. Despite the close proximity, an official visit to Austin in August turned the Longhorns into the leader. Texas sold Davis on the fact that he could play either guard position and help them with their outside shooting as they shot under 33% from the three point line. Davis will team with Javan Felix and Isaiah Taylor in the backcourt providing outside shooting help and the ability to play either guard position.

The Davis commitment will also help turn the in-state recruiting momentum back to the Longhorns. Over the past few weeks, Texas A&M grabbed the headlines with the commitments of center Tyler Davis and forward D.J. Hogg, both four-stars from Plano, TX. Now, the Longhorns have one of the top shooting guards in the country and can turn their attention towards other top prospects including four star junior point guard Jawun Evans.

Scouting Report:

Eric Davis, 6’3”, 6’6” wing span, 181 pounds. 

Strengths:

Given his offensive skill-set, Davis will see immediate playing time at Texas. While not a true point guard he can handle the ball and get his team into their offense under pressure therefore giving himself more options for possible playing time. Davis is best at scoring and while he used to be just an outside shooter he can now score from all three levels. In August Davis was determined to get to the basket in the Nike Global Challenge and while he does not possess elite athleticism he constantly scored tough baskets under pressure with both his left and right hand. He is quick enough to free himself for a one dribble jump shot and has strong shooting mechanics that will serve him well down the road.  

Weaknesses:

Davis’ biggest weakness is his actual physical strength; however he has taken strides over the past year to get stronger. From his sophomore to junior year Davis gained 10-15 pounds and will need to continue to bulk up in preparation for Big XII play. As a shooter, he does not have the best shooting percentages hitting only 27% of his three’s in EYBL play. While the shooting percentage was less than ideal Davis hit countless outside shots at every summer stop.