Freshman G Johnny Davis brings a rare combination of ‘energy’ and ability to Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a special freshman talent in Johnny Davis

In a college basketball game, you often see a player come off the bench and provide a spark of energy that flips the matchup on its head. That’s exactly what true freshman guard Johnny Davis did for Wisconsin tonight after they fell behind 7-0 early against Loyola-Chicago. It was his intention from before he even stepped on the floor.

“I try to provide energy off the bench,” said Davis after the game. “We started off a little bit slow today, and I just try to provide energy on both ends of the floor.”

It’s more than being an energy guy, however, that the La Crosse native provides for this Badger squad. Mixed in with the experience of five senior starters is Davis’ talent, and even a casual basketball fan can watch him for a few minutes and pick out that there is something different about the way he operates on the hardwood. Davis possesses the rare combination of all-out energy that is backed up with elite talent. Did I mention he is a true freshman?

The former La Crosse Central star dazzled with 12 points off the pine to go along with five rebounds. Oh, and about providing that energy on both ends? He finished as a team-high +27 in his 23 minutes on the evening.

It wasn’t the 12 points that stood out most, but instead how he scored them. Each bucket showed off a different facet of the combo guard’s game as he comfortably knocked down his only three-point attempt of the night, smoothly finished in transition, and posted up out of the swing offense.

The euro step in transition, a move that most college players don’t make look as easy as pregame layup lines, has quickly become a patented favorite for the freshman. With this clip, also note how difficult this finish is as he elects to use his inside hand:

As a rebounder, the class of 2020 signee attacks the glass with authority, especially on the offensive end. There were multiple times tonight where Davis made the Ramblers work for a defensive rebound, and even a moment early in the first half where he drew a loose ball foul going up for a rebound.

His movements look effortless at times, whether it be in transition, as a post scorer, or especially when flying in to crash the boards. Buying into the swing offense principles, Davis has been excellent at moving without the basketball specifically with a slice cut action that has resulted in a number of post touches and buckets.

While he hasn’t started a game yet this year, Davis has done something much more valuable: finished games. Tonight, and against Marquette, the true freshman finished out the contest on the floor for head coach Greg Gard, which is the ultimate sign of trust for a young player.

Coupled with a number of senior leaders, Wisconsin basketball has a true freshman that looks like he has every opportunity to be the next Badger star. With a rare combination of energy, athleticism, and skill, the La Crosse native is ready to make noise in the Big Ten this year and in years beyond.