Austin Davis - Steady as a rock
I was an Austin Davis skeptic for four years. Wondered if he was Big Ten material, yadda yadda, etc. That said, in his old age, he has been an absolute rock for Michigan. If you need a bucket, he will go and get it, no questions asked. Old-school footwork and a gentle touch around the rim — his post-ups have reminded me a bit of the late Robert Traylor. He doesn't force things.
And frankly, Davis wasn't a bad defender. He might not be a big time rim protector but he stopped deserving that cyan on the pregame graphic ages ago.
Thank you, sir. Best of luck.
March 31st, 2021 at 12:54 AM ^
Dude was big time! Thanks Austin!
March 31st, 2021 at 12:55 AM ^
He was a bad defender. But your other points are true.
March 31st, 2021 at 12:58 AM ^
Honestly having him in there would've netted Michigan a couple more buckets. I almost threw my beer at the TV when Hunter would just refuse to even attempt to use his right hand or go over his left shoulder 2 feet away from the basket instead opting for some ugly layup attempts with his left hand that clearly every opponent in the country has scouted out.
I agree, would have switched Austin in on offense and Hunter in on defense whenever possible down the stretch.
Confirmation bias? Both guys shot 50% from the floor (Dickinson 5-10, Davis 3-6) and Davis had a worse turnover rate (2 in 11 minutes compared to 4 in 29 minutes for Dickinson).
I yelled at the radio (driving) when they pulled Davis and Dickinson kept missing shots.
Agreed.. wish Davis had gotten more time in the second half as he was playing better than Hunter.
So frustrating seeing Hunter not go right or just fling it up at the basket before gathering himself. I'm looking forward to seeing him develop more post moves and look to pass more out when double teamed. he seems like a very good passer for a big man, want to see more of that.
Both a Big Regular season championship and a BIG tournament championship. 3 sweet 16s, 2 elite 8s and a Final Four. Not a bad ride for him, Eli and Livers.
That is a magnificent career. Great footwork, hands and touch, knew what was happening around him, where he was under the basket, used what he had and always dependable and under control. Earned being a team captain at Michigan
I love Austin Davis... not in that way.... but Austin you are a Michigan Man for life.
Thanks for your leadership and inspiration. You came a long way my man.
Good luck to you.
You can play another year ya know!
"I love you... Not in that way"
I probably haven't heard that since 1994.
I love Austin Davis... in that way.
Great career.
GO BLUE.
May as well just go full 90/early 2000s and say “no homo”
The improvement by Austin Davis is a testament to Coach Howard's coaching.
I hope Austin Davis returns for another season. He would provide excellent insurance against injury (just like Brandon did after Isaiah's season-ending injury).
He's now incredibly reliable in the post. He doesn't panic when his first attempt doesn't work. He's so good. And yes, his defense (specifically his interior defense) has improved substantially.
Totally agreed. There were many moments this season where I thought he even outshined Mr. Dickinson.
When you see what other teams have for backup 5's, you really appreciate what he brings.
Great back up 5. He works hard, and makes his free throws. It's a luxury for a coach to have a bench player like Davis.
Funny story about Austin Davis...
I was feverishly reviewing my thesis which was hours away from being reviewed at U-M the day he committed. The majority of us were like “okay, this is an odd commitment. Maybe he’ll reclassify.”
Now...6 years later I found myself married, with a foster son and life nowhere near where it was when he committed saying in crunch time of an Elite Eight game “GIVE AUSTIN DAVIS THE BALL”
He is the definition of a Michigan Man. Just as James Earl Jones says “hard work, determination, and an enthusiasm unknown to mankind”
It wasn’t an odd commitment, he was a four star big in the state of Michigan while they still recruited very traditional centers. I agree with your other points, though.
He wasn't the typical Beilein big man though, I think that's why people thought it was an odd fit
Great story and I was also yelling for him to get the ball more. I believe it would have made the difference tonight.
Of everyone on the roster, Austin Davis is the one who has done the best job of realizing every ounce of his potential. He's athletically limited and is probably the least naturally talented guy in the rotation, but there has never been a moment when he was on the floor and I thought he could have made a play but didn't. It's been a joy to watch him thrive under Juwan's coaching.
He may have the best hands on the team. Some of the catches he made down low were incredible. Would love to see another year if he wants it.
I would have to say something similar until Northwestern last year. The footwork that Davis put on that day was nothing less than a clinic, and an eye opener. I dare to say the man is unguardable one on one in the low block.
every team needs a grinder. not the most naturally skilled, but athletic enough with big heart and determination to provide a lift or match the opponents. That was why some of my favorite athletes in Detroit were Rodman, Draper & Coach Inge. Dr. Eric Mayes also comes to mind. in order to win and succeed, a team needs guys to sacrifice some game to get down and dirty. Austin Davis was that on this team. He got better as the seasons went on, took on the opposing bigs and never backed down from the challenge. He gave everything he had in the minutes he was given. That’s all you can ask of anyone.
BIG COUNTRY
Austin was a terrific advantage for us. Very solid no matter how big the moment. Great team player.
Mad respect for AD. If this was his last game in maize and blue, he can, should, and will go out with his head held high. Over 100 wins and a tri-captain. Thanks to Austin for his contributions to this program for the last 5 years.
Yesterday I was honestly more comfortable seeing Davis over Hunter. He was solid as always. Dude will never be an all-american, but he was a very good backup C this year. The pivot master
I was consistently amazed that he could pivot so well. I expected him to get called for a travel every time he had the ball below his waist in the low post. Most of the time he would spin out and get a bucket. Very happy for him--big part of this year's team. He could've been disruptive when Hunter took over starting C, but doesn't seem like that was the case at all.
My second favorite player on this year's team, after Brown. He gave it everything he had, which was surprisingly effective in limited minutes. Wish him well!