Kentucky High School basketball has been known to grow great basketball players over the years. Allan Houston, Rajon Rondo, Shelvin Mack, Darius Miller, and Chris Lofton are just a few of the names that go down into Kentucky basketball lore. The next name you could be hearing is Jackson Davis from Lafayette High School in Lexington, KY. Davis, the son of former Kentucky Wildcat Johnathon Davis, has been tearing it up this summer. He has gained a lot of attention for his play and looks like a potential Kentucky recruit in the future. I got a chance to speak to Johnathon about Jackson’s summer and his career up till now and the opportunities he has received because of his play.
This winter, Jackson Davis started as a 6’7″ 8th grader in the always tough 11th Region. He averaged 6 pts, 6 rbs, and 3 blk shots per game on a Lafayette High school team that finished 22-7. He saved his best performance of the season for last, dueling 6’8″ 240lbs Scott Co. Sr. Dakotah Euton to a draw in the Regional finals at about 16 pts and 6 rbs each. Many casual observers were surprised at how the younger Davis scored his his points, mostly feathery soft 15-17ft turn around jump shots.
Davis began the spring basketball season playing 14U in order to gain confidence on the offensive perimeter. It helped, as he averaged 21 pts, 14rbs, 6blks, 3 steals, and 3 assists per game, scoring at will while displaying a vast offensive array.
In May, Davis attended the John Lucas International Middle School Combine, where he impressed the west coast basketball power brokers. So much so that he was invited back to attend the Southwest Invitational, a select exposure camp for rising juniors and seniors only, plus 5 very promising youngsters. Unfortunately, he had already to committed to attend the Fab Frosh event held in Chicago on the same dates. This is the invitation only event that was held at UK last year where Darryl Hicks became a star.
In June, Davis accepted a nomination into iHoops, a partnership between the NCAA and the NBA to help elite players navigate the recruiting process. His first convention will be in Tuscon,AZ this August. Davis says the fact that he will miss his first 3 days of high school is a “sacrifice he was willing to make”.
On Fathers Day, Davis received a call from an official with USA basketball. They wanted to know that if asked, would he accept an invitation to try out for the 16U National Team next year. Davis was told to expect a phone call when the current team and coach return from Europe later this summer. Anyone who knows Jackson well also knows that his ultimate goal, above even playing in the NBA, is to play in the Olympics. His inspiration comes not from the “Dream Teams” of the past, but rather from learning of the the singular determination of Olympic record setting swimmer Michael Phelps. Like Phelps, Davis is a bit of a free spirit, but finds solace through sports.
On the advice of his father, Davis has since moved up to compete in 16U events only. This will give a truer indication of his current skill level since he is so much bigger and faster than the average, or even above average 14 year old.
Tonight, Davis was invited to work out with the 2010 Kentucky Wildcats. Its also marks the first time that they have have all played together collegiately. Davis says the final decision is too far away to think about right now, but here’s hoping for a beautiful beginning to a long lasting relationship….
Jackson is definitely a young talent to keep an eye on as he grows as a player. If you want a chance to see Jackson play, he be will competing with Charlotte Court 16U at the Addidas It Takes 5 event in Indy July 6-8, and the Eddie Ford Hoopfest in Louisville July 9-12.
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