One place where Davis is anything but raw is on the defensive end. He's arguably the biggest game changer in college basketball, leading the nation in blocked shots, and ranking in the top-15 in the past decade in the same category.
Beyond the numbers, Davis possesses an ideal combination of physical tools, instincts and intensity, which completely changes the way opposing offenses are able to operate when he's on the floor. He can cover ground incredibly well, making him a threat to rotate from the weak-side instantaneously and offer help defense with terrific timing. Despite the aggressiveness he plays with, he rarely fouls, only doing so 2.6 times per-40 minutes.
Thanks to his length and quickness, Davis also has the ability to step away from the basket and contest shots. His excellent footwork gives him the ability to stay with opposing guards on the perimeter if forced to switch on the pick and roll, and he does a good job using his wingspan to make it difficult to shoot over him. Even if he gets beat or bites on a pump-fake, he's usually athletic enough to recover and make a play from behind, often in highlight reel fashion. When a driving opponent seemingly has him pinned on their opposite shoulder, Davis is often able to use his wingspan to reach all the way around and still contest the shot.
One area where Davis will need to improve in the NBA is in one on one situations in the post. He lacks the lower body strength to contain stronger big men from establishing deep post position on him, at times allowing them to catch the ball deep in the paint and back him down.
There aren't all that many physically developed players with an advanced back to the basket game in the NCAA, so this hasn't been a major issue in any of the games Kentucky played this year, with the exception of North Carolina and to a lesser extent Alabama and Vanderbilt, but it's something to keep an eye on as the competition stiffens. To Davis' credit, even when he's being backed down underneath the rim he can often still contest the shot thanks to his springiness off of two feet.
With all his many strengths, possibly the most encouraging thing about Davis' profile for a team holding the #1 overall pick is the way he approaches the game. Poised, mature and extremely even-keeled, he shows a terrific demeanor on the floor. He doesn't let his emotions get the best of him even in pressure-packed situations, which is amazing considering his background and how little experience he has in these settings. He also has a very good understanding of the game for such a “raw” big man, making smart passes, executing well on both ends of the floor, and usually playing within himself.
All this, combined with his reportedly excellent work ethic and character, should give teams a lot of confidence about his ability to improve on his weaknesses over time. He appears to be the type of player others enjoy playing with or coaching and looks to be the type of competitor that's willing to do whatever it takes to win games.
As unique a story as you'll find in a #1 overall caliber prospect, Davis has taken the guess work out of the top of the 2012 NBA draft. While he surely has plenty of things to work on, it's highly unlikely that he'll be anything less than a huge success in the NBA.
From DraftExpress.com
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