Allow Us To Introduce Josh Davis

Josh Davis is the newest addition to the Wolfpack '09 recruiting class. He is from right down the road, yet we don't know all that much about him. Last night we got the chance to talk with Athens Drive's Head Coach Robert Clemons. Coach Clemons led Athens to a 22-6 record this season which happens to be their best season under his watch (since '01). He has actually been a Pack fan for a very long time. In fact, his dad was the first African-American to graduate from NC State. Since we didn't know too much about Josh before yesterday, we wanted to get a breakdown from the man who has watched him develop as a basketball player as well as a young man over the past four years.

WolfpackHoops: Tell us about your experience coaching Josh Davis.

Clemons: It has been great coaching Josh. He is a respectful young man who has a tremendous drive to get better. He has never been one of those kids who had an attitude and believed that he didn't have to work. Josh is a total team player. Coming into this season Josh knew that his perimeter game was the area that he needed to work on the most, because he would probably play on the wing at the next level. With that being said I told him before the season that what would be best for the team and his future would be for him to play on the block this season. I told him that in order for him to make it to the next level he needed to put up big numbers. He did put up numbers and his willingness to play the block helped us as a team and also helped him put up big numbers and diversify his game.

WolfpackHoops: Why do you think that Josh put up major numbers and managed to fly under the recruiting radar?

Clemons: I really don't understand why some teams shied away from him. Kids at his position are usually good perimeter shooters. Ross and Adams have a little bit better jump shot than Josh at this point. That is also partially due to the roll that we asked Josh to fill this year. A jump shot is something that a kid can work on. He just turned 18 years old. He's a young 18. This kid has so much upside. And I'm not saying Josh can't shoot, he has a really nice mid-range game.

WolfpackHoops: Tell us a little bit about Josh's game.

Clemons: Josh has a finesse game in the post. He can turn and face you and he also has a great drop step. He is a great leaper and he leaves the floor quicker than most kids I've seen. He can thrown the ball down in a crowd. Josh can use his size and take kids off the dribble and finish at the rim. He is a playmaker that can create his own opportunities to score. Josh is definitely a scorer, but his game goes beyond his scoring ability. He is also a lock-down defender. He is so athletic that he can guard anyone on the court. In fact, Josh did an excellent job shutting down Garrius Adams at Middle Creek this past season. The kid plays with passion and intensity. He leaves it all on the court. Josh also has a great basketball IQ.

WolfpackHoops: Let's build on that last statement. Why do you say that Josh has a great basketball IQ?

Clemons: Josh knows how the game should be played and he plays it the right way. His knowledge of the game is enhanced because he knows how to play every position on the court and at different times we have used him in all of them. He can play the point, the wing, and the block. He can also defend all of these positions as well. All of this mixed with his will to win gives Josh a great basketball IQ.


WolfpackHoops: Tell us about Josh's leadership ability.

Clemons: Josh isn't necessarily a vocal leader, rather he leads by example. Josh's energy and intensity that he brings to the court is contagious and the other player follow suit.

WolfpackHoops: How do you see Josh fitting into Coach Lowe's system at State?

Clemons: I'm not sure how Coach Lowe will use him next year but I know he is athletic and smart enough to play at the next level right now. He can be used to do so many different things on the court. Josh knows that he needs to work on his jump shot this offseason but Josh is not afraid to work. He isn't afraid to come to the gym and work. He just shows up and works. Josh is a high character kid that just shows up to the gym by himself, works on his game, and cleans up after he leaves.


This past weekend Josh played in the North Carolina vs. South Carolina All-Star game in Myrtle Beach. He took home the MVP award as he put up 15 and 10. His 10 rebounds were a record for the event. Also, he shot 5-5 from the field.

Josh is a 6'7 combo forward that averaged 25 and 10 for Athens Drive High School last year. To put things in perspective for you, he outscored local stars Garrius Adams (Miami), Earnest Ross (Auburn) and John Wall (Uncommitted). Am I making a case that he is better than these guys, not necessarily. But I am making the case that he deserves to have his name mentioned in the same sentence with these guys.

Here is a complete breakdown of Josh's Senior campaign:



*CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE; Stats will be updated on this post after every game.