Noel Davis: Bench Player To Potential Star By Jonathan Walker

Not many times do underclassmen get to occupy a varsity spot for the Fighting Irish basketball team. Names like Paolo Banchero, Takeo Staten- Sylvester, and John Christofilis are a few names that come to mind when talking about the privilege it is to see the court in varsity games as an underclassman for the maroon and gold. Noel Davis is one of the most recent names.

As a freshmen Davis was given an incredible honor by head coach Jason Kerr; instead of wearing the much older used junior varsity jerseys in his first season at O’Dea, he would be given a varsity one. Sporting the number three on his back, the undersized freshman didn’t see the court much his first year. He committed more fouls than points and the only time he found the net was on a free throw.

Although he called the bench home, cheering instead of scoring, Davis knew that his time would eventually come. Just like Banchero, Staten-Sylvester, and Christofilis, Coach Kerr saw something in Davis that will help grow the already accomplished program.

After finishing his freshmen year at O’Dea, Davis got to work.

“I really put in the work during the off-season.” Davis says, “That is what divides the good from great.”

No spot is guaranteed on the Irish roster so just like the past year, Davis needed to show out at tryouts. Show out he did and again he made the roster, again sporting number three. This season he has continued to “trust the process,” a common basketball term.

Davis and the Fighting Irish are now halfway through their hectic season filled with COVID cases and cancellations. So far, this crazy season Davis’ stat line has remained mostly consistent and promising. He has improved his minutes, points, and fouls per game (the fouls at the dismay of Coach Kerr). Nonetheless, Davis is improving and filling the incredibly large shoes he looks to fill.

Davis works hard in practice and whenever he has a ball in his hands.

“We practice and play six days a week and I take every opportunity to get better.”

As a young player surrounded by an extremely high level of basketball Davis mirrors many of the great moves and nuances he sees.

“I try and watch and take in all the information I can on the game.”

Not only does Davis watch and mimic real-life players but virtual ones as well.

“Oh yeah, in 2K (a basketball video game) I always play as the Golden State Warriors. I love being Curry and kicking it out to Klay for a three.”

When asked if this helps him in-game Davis chuckled and said this about his video game practice.

“I think it does, I’m like Curry, drive and kick to Klay who is one of the older guards like Takeo or Owen,” says Davis.

What makes this undersized underclassman a player watch is his mental toughness and mentality, one thing that changed mid-season.

“My mentality totally changed, I am a lot tougher this far into the season and battle-tested,” Davis explains.

That toughness starts with a great meal for Davis, and he does not disappoint. On game days he eats eggs, grits, and a protein shake for breakfast. For lunch, he has fruit, a huge ham sandwich, and plenty of water. Pregame Mod pizza is his spot, same for many basketball players. Davis orders 10-inch meat lovers with the works every time.

Davis is excited for the rest of the season and the game tonight (Tuesday) against Nathan Hale. Davis is most definitely a player to watch as he keeps filling those large shoes.

You can either watch him on the court or find him at the nearest Mod pregame.