Fans Stunned, but Davis Made Correct Decision
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When word came down that Arkansas guard Davonte Davis is hitting the transfer portal, a lot of negative reaction poured out because apparently fans thought the only options were to call it a career or pursue professional basketball. Walking away from the Hogs wasn't on their boards.
The general thought is the Razorbacks showed too much patience with Davis after he walked away from the team twice over the past two seasons for him to take his ball and go play somewhere else. It's understandable why fans might see it that way, but that's fans speaking with their hearts rather than look at the situation using logic.
Coming off the 2023 season, Davis was as hot as he's ever been as a pro prospect. He still had some things to shore up, but he was at least on the radar. He definitely could have made good money overseas.
However, this year did a lot of damage to his pro prospects. Not only was the production on the court way down, but enough happened off the court to raise legitimate concerns. From leaving the team again to multiple complications with businesses in NIL agreements, his ability to maximize his profits as a pro athlete has been compromised.
Those same actions also potentially burned bridges locally. The financial haul generated by his performance against No. 1 Kansas in the NCAA Tournament last year.and resulting emotional interview is likely no longer possible.
It wasn't because businesses weren't trying to be patient. After Davis no-showed for his on-air commitment with 103.7 The Buzz, not only embarrassing the station, but also sending them scrambling to fill air, he was still given a second chance.
Not only did they reach an agreement to secure rights to his announcement regarding his future, but set the table to have him back on the air next season should he return. Davis went so far as to say if people didn't hear it from his mouth on the radio station, then someone's lying.
That's why there was a delay before allHogs reporters were allowed to go with the story. Time was taken to see if Davis went on the air to make the announcement. When it was found he hadn't, there was a lot of checking to confirm.
Meanwhile, once the station's hosts found out Davis not only announced his future elsewhere, but that he is transferring, they were hot. Businesses see actions like this and are wary of entering into an agreement.
The best thing for Davis is to get away and reinvent himself. He needs a fresh start and a chance to build a new reputation both on and off the court.
Davis knows he can walk away at Arkansas and it be OK. He knows he can burn NIL partners in the state and get away with it. He needs to go cut his teeth somewhere with more accountability that will force him to step up his game in all facets.
He made the best choice he could have made. If he can follow through and leave the state rather than falling back on the crutch of running to an in-state school like Little Rock or Arkansas State, then there's hope he gets things back on track.
This is his last opportunity. It's time for Davis to choose growth over comfort.
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