Freshman forward Deyonta Davis speaks to media during men's basketball media day on Oct. 27, 2015 at Breslin Center.
Deyonta Davis is a freshman who was one of the most highly sought after recruits in the country, winning Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan before committing to the Spartans. He put up unbelievable statistics in high school, recording double-digit rebounds in every game he played last season.
Davis was a terror to opposing teams on the defensive end as well, recording double-digit blocks in seven games, and never having a game with less than two. Offensively, all he did was record double-digit points in every game but one, and had seven triple-doubles.
MSU head coach Tom Izzo, however, had even higher praise for the new big man.
“He could be one of the most talented big men we have ever had,” Izzo said. “I think he’s in the Paul Davis mold. He’s athletic, he’s got great hands, he can pass the ball, he can shoot the ball.”
Despite Izzo saying he was roughed around a bit during the team’s trip to Italy, he expects Davis to be ready for the season, as long as he learns to go hard in everything he does.
"He could be one of the most talented big men we have ever had. I think he’s in the Paul Davis mold. He’s athletic, he’s got great hands, he can pass the ball, he can shoot the ball."MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo
“If I looked at the improvement he made since the day he came on campus in July till now, if he makes the same improvements in the next couple of months, I think you’re going to see a lot of Deyonta Davis,” Izzo said.
Izzo said Davis, or DD as the team calls him, has exceptional athleticism, great hands and good quickness.
Izzo also challenged the media to “get DD to talk and smile.” Davis is a quiet, shy player, but the team, including walk-on teammate and roommate Conner George, said he is very comfortable around them. George also praised the talent level Davis brings to the team.
“Deyonta is my roommate, great player, can jump out of the gym, long arms, very athletic," George said. "He’s going to be a big help this year for sure. Once you get to know him he opens up quite a bit. He’s a funny guy. I enjoy being around him and so does everyone else.”
Davis, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing about 250, looked for a mentor. That’s when he discovered senior leader and fellow post player Matt Costello, who happened to be Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan in 2012, the last Mr. Basketball in Michigan to commit to Izzo.
“The person I’ve been looking up to most is Matt Costello,” Davis said. “When I need help with a play I just go to him and he helps me out. He’s just been a good person to me.”
Costello has seemed to take a liking to Davis as well, and has enjoyed the leadership role he has with Davis.
“To get him acclimated, you just kind of help him along as much as you can,” Costello said. “Freshmen don’t know everything, and so they come in and they are trying to learn, and he’s been great at that.”
Costello also said it should be fun to watch Davis improve this year.
“I’ve loved being able to work with him and try to teach him,” Costello said. “He’s got some God-given abilities that are going to be fun to watch this year. I’m excited that he’s gonna be here and that he’s at Michigan State."
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