Davis’s advice carries considerable weight
It wasn’t that long ago that Glen Davis was a thickly built post player who wowed NBA scouts with his skill and athleticism after a successful college season. Those scouts waited for Davis to declare for the draft, and leave Louisiana State following the Tigers’ Final Four appearance during his sophomore season in 2006.
But Davis’s desire to improve his draft stock, as well as his enjoyment of college life, led to him staying in school for another year. And while Davis might have matured emotionally in that year, scouts were able to dissect his game, and rethink his size and desire, and he dropped to the second round after initially believing he was a lottery pick.
Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger is in a similar situation. He led the Buckeyes to the No. 1 ranking entering the NCAA Tournament and they were the prohibitive favorites before being knocked out by Kentucky in the Sweet 16.
Sullinger, a Columbus, Ohio, native, could have been the No. 1 overall pick. Listed at 6 feet 9 inches and 280 pounds, he combines stunning athleticism for his size with power and yet a graceful touch around the basket. He averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds this season.
With the loss to Kentucky still fresh, Sullinger promised to return to school for his sophomore season. Davis still recalls the scrutiny he faced during his junior season, in which LSU failed to make the tournament, and has some advice for Sullinger.
“[That extra year] just gives them a chance to critique you, see what kind of player you are,’’ Davis said. “You’ve got to go while you’re hot, or at least test it out. Don’t hire an agent. That’s what I could have done, just to see.’’
“The difference with me [my junior year] is I didn’t win, but my numbers were the same,’’ Davis said. “When I was playing, I just didn’t win. That’s a big difference. This was one of [Sullinger’s] winningest years. If he comes back, he’s got to win. Everybody knows he’s got the talent to play in the NBA. It’s about what’s he going to do in the offseason.’
