RECRUITING: Pioneers guard excited to take next step
Jordan Davis never has been one to get things handed to him.
But the 6-foot-1-inch guard, who has been a workhorse in leading the Canyon Springs boys basketball team to two consecutive state tournament appearances, finally accepted something: a full-ride scholarship to play basketball at Northern Colorado. In front of his family, friends, teammates and coaches, Davis officially signed his letter of intent Wednesday in the school’s theater.
“A lot of people didn’t believe in me,” Davis said at the podium. “I never thought about signing a Division I scholarship. I couldn’t have done it if it weren’t for the people in this room. I love y’all.”
Davis, who averaged 17 points last season for the state runner-up Pioneers, chose the Bears over offers from Eastern Washington, Hawaii and Northern Arizona. The senior was also garnering interest from California, Idaho and UNLV.
Davis initially made an oral commitment to Eastern Washington in January.
“I’m very proud of Jordan,” Canyon Springs coach Freddie Banks said. “I’ve been with him for four years, and this young man has a heart of gold. He plays the game hard, he doesn’t let down. He has a bright future in becoming a very good basketball player in the college ranks.”
Banks, a former UNLV basketball standout, wasn’t the only coach to praise Davis at his signing day. Hunkie Cooper, the Pioneers’ football coach, knows a thing or two about his former second-team All-Northeast League receiver.
“He’s destined for greatness,” Cooper said. “Jordan has always been an older person in a younger body. Basketball doesn’t define him. He cares about people, and he’s earned the right to be successful.”
Though gifted with football talent, Davis opted not to play this season to focus on basketball. His decision has paid off, as he has become the second local player in two years to join Northern Colorado’s basketball program. Valley’s Spencer Mathis accepted a scholarship last season to play for the Bears.
“I feel great about (Northern Colorado),” Davis said. “Everything I was looking for in a program they had. I just appreciate them. I love all the coaches. And just seeing what they were doing, I felt like that could be my home.”
An emotional Davis thanked his mom and stepdad for motivating and pushing him. He said none of it was possible without their love and support.
“When she’s at her worst, she goes to work,” Davis said. “When she’s throwing up, she goes to work. When she has high blood pressure, she goes to work. I just want to thank her for everything. … When my stepdad came into my life, he gave me that drive, that determination.”
Davis recalled the times he had to work basketball camps and tournaments just to pay for his own entrance fees. But that, along with his standout prep career, is just the beginning.
“I feel like my journey has just begun,” Davis said. “I have a lot left to my story.”
Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.