The same day that Ole Miss basketball and Kermit Davis found out that former three-star commit Serrel Smith still wants his release despite an in-home visit from the new head coach and his two assistants, they find out that arguably their most explosive athlete on the team, junior Terence Davis, is wanting to test the NBA waters.
He spoke with ESPN’s Jonathan Givnoy about the decision and why he made it.
“This is a dream come true,” Davis told ESPN. “I am entering the draft because I feel like this is the rule, so why not take advantage of it? I’ll get to see where my game is at. I definitely believe that I am an NBA player and can play in the NBA. Nothing is guaranteed, but just being a part of this process, I am so excited.
Even if things don’t work out, I am looking forward to my senior year because of coach Kermit [Davis] and everyone coming back. His first year there we can do something special. He’s been a big help in this process.”
This quote can be seen as one thing and one thing only:
Terence wants to see where he stands with scouts and what he needs to work on before making the leap after he wraps up his senior year. Because let’s be honest, he’s not ready just yet. Now, I am in no way saying he can’t make it, but NBA scouts are going to have some things to talk with him about. And, sure, Terence can address those things and can be a steal for someone in next year’s NBA Draft.
Davis spoke with Ole Miss Spirit’s Ben Garrett and echoed what we’re saying about his declaration.
“This is home,” Davis said. “I wouldn’t say I’m not going anywhere, but I wouldn’t leave Ole Miss to go to any other college. If I do leave, it’d be to go to the next level. But I’m just testing the NBA waters to see what my options are. If things aren’t looking right, I’m coming back to school.”
With Ole Miss firing Andy Kennedy, I would not be surprised if Terence Davis declared for the NBA draft. Davis had a very good 1H against Missouri last night. pic.twitter.com/vCgGJZvQye
— The NBA Draft Wire (@NBADraftWire) February 21, 2018
Also, as mentioned above, he can test the waters, workout for scouts, hear their evaluations, and as long as he doesn't hire an agent, he can return to Oxford and play his final season in the red and blue.
Before anyone freaks out, #OleMiss guard Terence Davis, like most every upperclassman in college basketball with any type of name cache, will submit his paperwork for the NBA Draft, but he won’t hire an agent. Just gauging his stock.
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) March 23, 2018
Another person who is in full support of Davis and his NBA endeavors is new head coach Kermit Davis.
“No. 1, there’s not a more receptive guy in our locker room in my five days here than Terence Davis,” Kermit Davis said. “We had an unbelievable individual meeting today. He is the leader. He loves Ole Miss basketball.”
As a junior, 6-4 shooting guard from Southaven, Miss. averaged 13.8 points per game as well as 6.2 rebounds in just 27 minutes per game for Andy Kennedy in his final year on the bench. His shooting percentage from the field and deep were both down, but his assists and blocks were improved.
Terence is an absolute delight to watch when he is playing within himself and not trying to do too much. And I think scouts will tell him that. There’s no doubt the talent is there, everyone can see that.
TERENCE DAVIS JUST DID THAT!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/F5aU0xHLwY
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 8, 2018
But, it’s between the ears where you make your money at the next level.