Phoenix College 6-foot-5 sophomore guard/forward Russ Davis was instrumental last season in helping his program win their 3rd consecutive Region-I Division-II title. Alongside former star guard Brandon Brown (Loyola Marymount) last season, Davis would flourish, as both helped lead the team to tremendous success.
This season, without the services of Brown breaking down defenses, Davis has played a different role and has seen his individual production slip. As a result, Davis has not been recruited as hard as maybe he had thought he would, and definitely not as well as I had envisioned for the sharp-shooting prospect.
Davis is a specialist and is something needed by most college programs in the country. A big wing that is capable of playing as a guard and a big-time shooter with excellent range on his shot and a quick release. Last season, it seemed as though Davis could not miss a shot when left open on the wing, as defenses attempted to keep pace with the electric Brandon Brown. This season has been much different for Davis, as he has had to create more shots for himself.
This season, Davis has done whatever it takes for his team to win, and Phoenix College is surging at the right time of the season again. Currently, Phoenix College (19-5, 12-4) is tied for first place in the ACCAC with Arizona Western, and has won 3 games in a row. Davis is averaging 9.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per/game, while shooting 40% from the field, 36.4% from three-point distance and 88% from the free-throw line.
I caught up with Davis after his team's home win on Saturday over Mesa JC, and he advised me that currently his recruiting interest has not been at the level he had expected. He told me that he is hearing from numerous division-II programs, but only has one offer on the table at this point in time from Alaska Fairbanks. He is hopeful that his recruitment will pick up as the season progresses.
And it should. Davis has very good size as a player and is an excellent shooter of the basketball - able to space the floor and stretch the defense. He takes good shots and makes shots. His quick release on his shot allows him to get open easily and make shots with defenders contesting his stroke. His unlimited range also makes defenders have to respect him from anywhere on the floor. He is also a good rebounder with good size and strength on his frame, although he does not focus enough on this area of his game. He should have much better numbers in this area, as a result of his size.
Davis is a solid individual defender, but at his best as a team defender that understands spacing on the floor and helpside principles. He plays with a very good overall intensity level and competes hard for his team. Davis is a true winner and has always won at every level he has played - helping lead his Corona Del Sol HS team to three-straight division-I state titles as well.
As Phoenix College continues their run again at another conference title, Davis will play an important role for head coach Matt Gordon and his staff once again. His understanding of what it takes to win has been developed over years of winning. This young man is worthy of much better college recruitment this spring. He has earned it.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Davis is a big guard prospect with an excellent shooting stroke with unlimited range on his shot. As good a shooter of the basketball as there is in the ACCAC conference this season. Davis has a quick release and does not need much room to get it off. He also shoots a high percentage from three-point distance, and has unlimited range. Needs to improve his mid-range game and ability to make plays off the dribble, but he is a specialist as a three-point shooter. Davis is a very good teammate and a winner, and enjoys making the extra pass to the open man on the floor. A good ball handler and passer that sees the floor. A solid rebounder. Solid team defender. Good prospect that has a specialty - shooting the basketball. An ambassador for any program he plays for.
