Josh Davis picks San Diego State, providing the Aztecs a much-needed scoring threat
San Diego State has found a player who may be capable of filling the huge void left by the departure of Jamaal Franklin to the NBA.
The Aztecs out-dueled Gonzaga and numerous other top programs to land coveted Tulane transfer Josh Davis, the 6-foot-8 forward's former high school coach confirmed Wednesday.
Davis, who averaged 17.6 points and 10.7 boards at Tulane last season, is a versatile player capable of rebounding, defending multiple positions and scoring with his back to the basket or by attacking the rim. He has graduated from Tulane and will be eligible to play his final year of eligibility next season for San Diego State.
"I think San Diego State is a really good fit for him," Athens Drive High School coach Robert Clemons said. "Gonzaga was really high on his list too. It came down to either or and I think he just liked San Diego State a little bit better."
Originally a North Carolina State signee under Sidney Lowe, Davis transferred to Tulane after a freshman season in which he played only 10.4 minutes per game for the Wolfpack. The Raleigh native became an impact player for the Green Wave, playing either forward position the past two years and even some center and helping lead the team to a 20-15 record last season.
Davis considered staying at Tulane and turning pro, but ultimately he decided his best option would be playing his final year of college basketball on a bigger stage than the Green Wave could provide. Numerous high-major schools expressed interest since he was coming off an impressive season and would be eligible immediately, but San Diego State was ultimately Davis' top choice.
Clemons said Davis felt comfortable with the San Diego State coaching staff and liked that the Aztecs will have ample playing time available to him. It also probably didn't hurt that Fisher has been successful with athletic, active, versatile forwards in the past at San Diego State, from Billy White, to Kawhi Leonard, to Franklin.
With Franklin, Chase Tapley and James Rahon all departing from a team that made the round of 32 of the NCAA tournament last season but at times struggled to score, San Diego State desperately needed a proven scorer to to contend in the Mountain West. Davis can't resuscitate the Aztecs' offense by himself, but he certainly should help a lot.
