Brad Davison is Gaining Interest from High-Major Schools
Brad Davison is Gaining Interest from High-Major Schools
Brad Davison blew up at the Nike EYBL Session 3. We caught up with the Howard Pulley guard and talked about his recruitment.
In his last year playing for Howard Pulley, Brad Davison has really shot onto the scene. The Maple Grove, Minnesota, guard is one of the leaders that has contributed to his team's undefeated season. Now, after Session 3 of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), Davison has popped onto everyone’s radar. We caught up with Davison and asked a few questions about this season, what his goals were, and what he looks for in an university.
FloHoops: Do you see yourself as a PG or SG?
Brad Davison: I see myself as a combo guard—someone who can play either. In high school, I've always played the point. During the summer, the last couple of years, I've played shooting guard because we've had really good point guards. This year, we had Tre Jones, who's a really good point guard. I can play off the ball and I see myself playing either position in college.
What are your thoughts on the undefeated season so far?
It's been an awesome summer. I love being with my team both on and off the court. All my teammates are great to be around. We have such great chemistry and that really contributes to our great season. We have to keep getting better because we have another (Nike EYBL) session and Peach Jam coming up.
What's your goal this season as a team?
Our goal this year is to win the Peach Jam. We didn't qualify last year but we made that a goal at the beginning of this season. That's what's been driving us this summer.
You had a tough schedule of games at Nike EYBL Session 3, how did you stay focused game after game?
We have to give a lot of credit to our coaches. They really stressed keeping us together and composed. We got really banged up throughout the weekend. We started with eight, and by the end, we were playing with five healthy guys. The coaches stressed that we should stay together and play for each other, and said, "Everything will be all right."
Against Cal Supreme, you had a crucial play. Time was winding down, you shot a three and missed, but you were fouled. You're down by two, and you're about to shoot three free throws. What was going through your mind?
I just wanted to win. I had a chance and opportunity to get the "W," and I took it. Every time I'm in the gym by myself or with my dad, I play the scenario of "down by two, got three shots to win it all." I feel like I've practiced for that moment.
Before Session 3, you had offers from low-high- to high-mid-major schools—UNI, Davidson and Nebraska, to name a few. Have any schools offered or expressed interest since this weekend?
Before the weekend, I got offered by Dayton, Yale, and Harvard. After the weekend, I received an offer from NC State, and Cal and Georgia Tech have both expressed interest in me.
What's important to you in making a final college decision?
First and foremost is the balance between basketball and academics. The most important thing for me personally is my relationship with the coaching staff. Secondly, how I fit in with the program, types of players, and style of play.
With the schools that have offered, have you narrowed down?
No sir, I'm pretty open right now in my recruiting.
What are your hopes this coming prep season?
I'm hoping for a real successful season like last year. Hoping to compete for another state title. We have a lot of guys coming back, a lot of seniors and veterans.
Compared to past Howard Pulley teams, how do you rank your team against them?
I came into the Howard Pulley program in eighth grade, and that's when they had Tyus (Jones) and Reid Travis. Not sure how they did in the EYBL, but I do know our team has Howard Pulley's best EYBL record. I don't know what that says, but I'm a little biased. We like to say we're the best Howard Pulley has ever had.
FloHoops: Do you see yourself as a PG or SG?
Brad Davison: I see myself as a combo guard—someone who can play either. In high school, I've always played the point. During the summer, the last couple of years, I've played shooting guard because we've had really good point guards. This year, we had Tre Jones, who's a really good point guard. I can play off the ball and I see myself playing either position in college.
What are your thoughts on the undefeated season so far?
It's been an awesome summer. I love being with my team both on and off the court. All my teammates are great to be around. We have such great chemistry and that really contributes to our great season. We have to keep getting better because we have another (Nike EYBL) session and Peach Jam coming up.
What's your goal this season as a team?
Our goal this year is to win the Peach Jam. We didn't qualify last year but we made that a goal at the beginning of this season. That's what's been driving us this summer.
You had a tough schedule of games at Nike EYBL Session 3, how did you stay focused game after game?
We have to give a lot of credit to our coaches. They really stressed keeping us together and composed. We got really banged up throughout the weekend. We started with eight, and by the end, we were playing with five healthy guys. The coaches stressed that we should stay together and play for each other, and said, "Everything will be all right."
Against Cal Supreme, you had a crucial play. Time was winding down, you shot a three and missed, but you were fouled. You're down by two, and you're about to shoot three free throws. What was going through your mind?
I just wanted to win. I had a chance and opportunity to get the "W," and I took it. Every time I'm in the gym by myself or with my dad, I play the scenario of "down by two, got three shots to win it all." I feel like I've practiced for that moment.
Before Session 3, you had offers from low-high- to high-mid-major schools—UNI, Davidson and Nebraska, to name a few. Have any schools offered or expressed interest since this weekend?
Before the weekend, I got offered by Dayton, Yale, and Harvard. After the weekend, I received an offer from NC State, and Cal and Georgia Tech have both expressed interest in me.
What's important to you in making a final college decision?
First and foremost is the balance between basketball and academics. The most important thing for me personally is my relationship with the coaching staff. Secondly, how I fit in with the program, types of players, and style of play.
With the schools that have offered, have you narrowed down?
No sir, I'm pretty open right now in my recruiting.
What are your hopes this coming prep season?
I'm hoping for a real successful season like last year. Hoping to compete for another state title. We have a lot of guys coming back, a lot of seniors and veterans.
Compared to past Howard Pulley teams, how do you rank your team against them?
I came into the Howard Pulley program in eighth grade, and that's when they had Tyus (Jones) and Reid Travis. Not sure how they did in the EYBL, but I do know our team has Howard Pulley's best EYBL record. I don't know what that says, but I'm a little biased. We like to say we're the best Howard Pulley has ever had.