Deyonta Davis Decides To Enter NBA Draft
Michigan State freshman forward Deyonta Davis has decided to enter the NBA Draft. He plans to sign with an agent and forego his final three years of eligibility.
Davis averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds as a freshman, while starting 16 of the final 17 games of the season. He set a Michigan State freshman record with 64 blocks, ranking second on the Spartan single-season chart. At Northwestern, he blocked six shots, establishing a MSU freshman single-game record. He is one of just three Spartan freshmen to record a double-double in his Michigan State debut.
The 2016 NBA Draft will be held June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Quote from Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo
"As a coach, my job is to help my players grow both on and off the basketball court. Over the last year, Deyonta has improved as a player, as he is just starting to tap his true potential. Off the court, there is no question that he has grown by leaps and bounds as he matures as a young man. I've been fortunate to live my dreams, but the real thrill as a coach is getting to see my players live their dreams. I look forward to following Deyonta's development and career in the NBA for years to come."
Quote from Deyonta Davis
"I asked Coach Izzo and Coach Guy to do research for me. The information that came back made me decide to enter the draft. It was a tough decision, but after talking to my family and coaches, I felt it was the right decision and one I'm fully committed to. I'd like to thank all of the people that helped me this year – my teammates and coaches, the academic support staff and especially the fans that welcomed me with open arms. Because of their help, I'm in position to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. This has been a great year for me at Michigan State – including a memorable trip to Italy, being a part of the best start in school history and winning the Big Ten Tournament. I will always be a Spartan and look forward to coming back to campus like so many other pros do now."
Quote from Muskegon High School basketball coach Keith Guy
"Deyonta has an opportunity to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He has approached this decision with a level of maturity and reason that exhibits the growth you would hope for in a man. His time here at Muskegon High and at Michigan State University has seen him continue to develop both on and off the court into a steady and focused young man. Coach Izzo's program was the perfect fit for Deyonta. They went above and beyond as a staff and as mentors in helping Deyonta to realize the potential that the NBA clearly recognizes in Deyonta.
"I could not be more pleased if Deyonta were my own son, and in many ways we have that close of a relationship. Ultimately, and rightfully, this decision was made by DD, and he has the full support of Coach Izzo, myself, and his family. We all believe in Deyonta. Most importantly Deyonta believes in himself, and is going to work as hard as ever to succeed at the next level. Deyonta is going to make us all very proud!"