JD Davison “Small Town Big Dreams”

Rookie sensation JD Davison is taking advantage of the opportunity he has been presented. Drafted in the second round at the 53rd pick in 2022 by the Boston Celtics, gave Davison some added motivation. He showed up playing exceptional in the summer league, showcasing that he’s a true point guard and one of the future greats in the NBA. JD averaged 13.0 pts, 8.2 ast, 4.8 reb, 1.2 stl, and 1.2 blk in five summer league games. Davison shot 46.7% from three on three attempts per game and was a nightmare for the defense. During the summer league he had some great highlights, while also displaying superb court vision, that would have him led the summer league in assists. In a game against Memphis, he put up 28 pts and 10 ast, getting his summer league high in points on a good Grizzle team.

Upon his great play during the summer league, JD Davison would earn a two-way contract with the Celtics franchise. JD played one year of collegiate basketball at the University of Alabama, where he racked up many accolades. He earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team, becoming the sixth consecutive UA player to earn the honor. Davison finished the season leading the team with 4.3 assists per game, while ranking second in steals (1.0 spg), third in rebounding (4.8 rpg), and fourth in scoring (8.5 ppg). Ranked seventh in the league in total assists (143) and assists per game. Had 13 games in which he scored double figures, and a team-leading 18 times that he led the UA in assists during a contest.

Davison was twice named the SEC freshman of the week. Earned his first weekly honor the week of Dec. 6 following UA’s win over then – No. 3 Gonzaga (12/4), finishing the contest with a season high 20 points, while also adding five rebounds and three assists. JD was also named the league’s freshman of the week Feb. 14 when he averaged 14.5 pts, 7.0 reb, and 6.0 ast per game in a pair of league wins over Ole Miss. and Arkansas. He recorded his first career double-double against Miami at the ESPN Events Invitational, with 13 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Collected his second double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with five assists in the win at Vanderbilt (2/22). He played a key role in upsetting then – No. 4 Baylor, with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block. A great freshman season for a young man who came off the bench, after being the main guy at his high school in Letohatchee Alabama.

JD Davison is from Fort Deposit, Alabama and attended The Calhoun High School. When Davison was in the 8th grade, upon completion of his middle school career, he was moved up to play at Calhoun High School. JD’s skill set was so far beyond his years that the coaching staff decided to play him on the A team instead of the B team. Once he joined the team he would help them win their first game. Many who watched JD be effective on the varsity team as an 8th grader, could see that he would have a high school career unimaginable. As a freshman, Davison averaged 13.8 ppg, 6.8 rbg, 6.3 apg, 2.5 spg, and 2.0 bpg. The stats he put up his freshman year was good, yet those who was around knew the young phenom was holding back.

In his sophomore year he would add to his previous stats averaging 18.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 5.8 apg, 2.9 spg and 2.5 bpg. His junior season would prove to be a breakout year for the then future NBA player. Averaging 30.4 ppg, 12 rpg, and 5 apg, landing Calhoun in the state championship game. JD Davison had the option to attend many top prep schools for his senior season. Ultimately he would decide to stay home and finish his high school career at Calhoun. Once his junior year ended, JD was presented the opportunity to have the summer and his senior season documented by famous YouTuber Nick (nickinthecutt). JD Davison put on an extravagant show his senior year. His senior run was full of exciting moments, entertaining thousands along the way. JD’s high school accomplishments includes many milestones.

He was rated as a consensus five-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports and one of the highest-rated recruits to ever sign with the Alabama’s men basketball program. Ranked by 247sports.com as the No. 9 overall player in the nation and the No. 1 point guard. ESPN ranks had him as the No. 11 overall player in the 2021 class, No. 2 at his position, and No. 1 overall player in Alabama, while Rivals.com had him listed as the No. 13 overall player in his class and No. 3 point guard in the nation. Davison was named a 2021 McDonald’s All-American, one of three such players on Alabama’s 2021-22 roster. Became the fifth repeat winner of Alabama’s Mr. Basketball when he earned the honor in 2020 and 2021. He was the fifth junior to be named Alabama Mr. Basketball when he earned the honor in 2020.

As a senior he averaged 32.4 pts, 10.9 reb, 4.9 ast, 3.6 stl, 2.5 blk per game. Led Calhoun to the final four in which he scored 45 points on 18 of 23 shooting from the field, with 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in his final high school game. A three-time All-State selection (2019, 2020, 2021), and he finished his high school career with 2,709 points. He dominated in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic when he tallied 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists on his way to earning MVP honors. JD finished third in the 2021 American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championship showcase. During his junior season, he led Calhoun High School to the 2A State Championship while averaging 33.4 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, six steals, and four blocks per game. Davison made the game winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the 2020 2A State Championship.

He earned the 2019-20 Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year honor. Two time All-State and twice named Montgomery Advertiser’s Metro Player of the Year (2019 and 2020). Recorded 25 double-doubles with one quadruple-double: a 29 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, 11 steals, playoff win in the 2019-20 season. Scored at least 40 points seven times with a high of 54 during his junior campaign. He was All-Tournament at the 2019 Washington Invitational, a national-level Thanksgiving tournament. JD Davison participated in the 2021 Iverson Classic, competing against some of the top recruits in his class. After playing in different all-star showcases following his senior season, JD was ready to show what he was capable of on the college level.

Despite what others may have thought of JD spending another year in college, he decided to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft. Spectators often marvel at JD Davison’s athleticism, while the beauty of his game entirety seems to go unnoticed. JD’s ability to find the open man is among the passing greats. He’s a high motor guard that thrives in transition, who is also very comfortable in the half-court setting. He has a smooth shot that is constantly progressing, with a steady controlled handle. JD played 26 games with the G League Maine Celtics, where he averaged 31.3 minutes, 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.9 turnovers, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He shot 50.6% from the field, 31.7% from three, and 73.2% from the free throw line.

Some decent numbers from the young athlete who helped his team to a 19-13 record, placing them 3rd in the G League Eastern Conference. Going into the playoffs the Maine Celtics had a good chance to make it to the finals. Subsequently their hopes would come to an end in the NBDL Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Charge. Davison led the team in points and steals in their playoff loss. He ended the game with 27 pts, 6 ast, 6 reb, and 4 stl. JD played in 12 games with the Boston Celtics this season averaging 5.5 minutes, 1.6 pts, 0.9 ast, 0.8 reb, 0.2 stl, and 0.2 blk, totaling to 19 pts, 11 ast, 9 reb, 2 stl, and 2 blk for the season. JD Davison is a good fit for the Boston Celtics, with a few years of experience he can be a key component for the Celtics organization.

From a small town to the big stage, JD Davison is gradually showing that he’s a part of the NBA’s future stars.    

Written By Jay Baythin