NBA Comparison: Dennis Smith

Strengths: A truly breathtaking athlete, Davison looks like he bounces off a trampoline when he skies to the rim … Smooth in transition, with great body control to pair with his vertical … Flashes a wide array of moves to evade defenders around the rim, and usually makes the right play while going full speed … Also possesses tremendous speed, creating breakaway chances on offense, and allowing him to help slow down transition chances for the opposing team … Only 19 years old, Davison has time to develop further, and become more of a true point guard instead of just a dynamic athlete … Solid passer, and can make some highlight reel passes … Has a smooth and quick release on three-point shots, and takes off-the-dribble threes with ease…Hustles for boards despite his smaller stature (6’3, 195lbs.) … Over 45% of his shots come at the rim, meaning the former five-star recruit understands his best strength is getting to the basket … Unselfish and lightning quick, Davison can be almost impossible from staying in front of, and when defenses rotate, he can pick out the open teammate … Feisty on ball defender, the freshman grabbed a steal per game.

Weaknesses: Davison needs to develop a reliable outside shot to be a useful offensive weapon … Made just 30% of his threes, 33% of his mid-range jumpers and 72% of his free throws … Decision making still has a long ways to go … Turns the ball over way too much, with 2.9 per game this season, including six in the loss in the NCAA tournament to Notre Dame … Because of his size and lack of consistent shooting, Davison is not fit to play off the ball, or cover anyone but the opposing point guard … The lack of versatility on both ends of the court allows the coaching staff less flexibility when creating game plans … Struggles guarding off the ball, and can have mental lapses … Davison will need to add strength to be physically similar to other guards…Has trouble getting around picks, which can lead to easy layups or over-rotations from the big man … Sometimes gets hunted as the preferred option to score against…Ceiling seems like an attacking force of the bench, and may struggle to score in the half court for a few years.

Notes: Projected as an early second round pick for the 2022 NBA Draft … Measured: 6’0.50” barefoot, 6’2.50” in shoes, 8’3.50” standing reach, 191.8 lbs, 6’6.50” wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine …

Michael Hopp 4/11/22

Strengths: 6’3 electric point guard … Explosive athlete with good body control, stands out against the other point guards of his class. Jumps well off one or both feet, also shows athleticism in the open floor as well as the half court. Quick second jump and converts a lot of his own missed layups … Quick first step with the ball and effective jab step. Consistently plays hard with good aggression. Fearless attacking the rim and a very good slasher. Gets into the paint at a good rate and good finisher at the rim … Fast in the open floor with the ball. Shifty ball handler and drives well going to either his right or left. Breaks down defense, maneuvers through tight spaces with the ball, and doesn’t need triple threat to beat the defense … Flashy passing ability and makes passes with either hand. Averaged 3.6 assists to 1.4 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Rebounds well for position … Good quickness, anticipation, and effort defensively. Very good shot blocker for a guard and contests without fouling …

Weaknesses: Length doesn’t stand out with a 6’4.5 wingspan … Still has room to fill out frame and add strength … Reliant on his athleticism on drives rather than technique, attacks without a plan at times and tries to convert difficult shots at the rim … Jump shooting isn’t consistent, his results tend to be all over the place. Tends to hit difficult shots at times but miss open knock down opportunities at other times. Shot 14.3% 3PT% and 57.9% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Can tighten up ball handling, it gets loose at times when he picks up speed. Makes impressive passes but has a way to go as a playmaker. Puts too much heat and tries to make home run passes at times …

Outlook: Alabama freshman … 2021 McDonald’s All-American … Named to the 2021 Jordan Brand Classic … 2020 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year … 2020 & 2021 Alabama Mr. Basketball … Played in the 2019 Underclassman All-American Game …

Evan Tomes 8/21/21

Notes: full name: Jerdarrian Davison