After previously announcing a decision date for Halloween [October 31st], Five-star senior guard JD Davison decided to move his decision up 28 days early. The finalists, in which he dropped September 21^st, include Alabama, Auburn, Kansas, LSU, Memphis, and Michigan.

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard is prepared for a decision and will scratch another five-star off the board in 2021.

I rank the contenders for Alabama star JD Davison.

Alabama:

Nate Oats has a roster loaded with guards including Jaden Shackelford, Jahvon Quinerly, and Keon Ellis, all of whom aren’t seniors and would have the opportunity to remain on the roster when Davison would enroll. But, I think Kira Lewis Jr. set a great impression for Davison, and Nate Oats is likely pitching the same role that Lewis Jr. had and Davison would really be able to play with freedom and run the offense. The best part about this is there’s a legitimate fit and both the Tide and Davison would benefit from a pledge.

Auburn:

Make no mistake, Bruce Pearl has been exceptional on the recruiting trail over the past few cycles and a commitment from Davison would be a program-changing commitment. The wide-spread offense that Pearl runs would fit Davison’s game so well. Like Alabama, guards have tons of freedom in the offense and I think with surrounding pieces that will remain on the roster, I think Davison would have a nice fit but do they have the edge over Alabama is the question. But can’t count out Bruce Pearl who has defied the odds before. 

Another note: I’ve seen Sharife Cooper projected as high as the 25th-overall pick in the 2021 NBA mock draft.

Kansas:

Bill Self is competing with programs all within a close distance of Davison. His pitch isn’t that bad though. We’ve seen success over the past few years for Bill Self and his guards. The majority of their scoring over the past few seasons have come from the guard spot. Like Kira Lewis Jr. for Alabama, Devon Dotson was THE man for Kansas this past season as the leader of the offense.

I can guarantee that is the main pitch, the freedom, and the reliability the guards at Kansas has. The Jayhawks were once a dark horse for me, it would be an exciting fit to see.

LSU:

Will Wade has landed several talented guard prospects for the future. He’s bringing in several freshman guards but is yet to have landed a guard for his 2021 class. With a team loaded with big men and the return of Darius Days, Trendon Watford, and Javonte Smart, it could be a big upcoming season for the Tigers.

Not sure what performance they will get out of their guards this upcoming season but they come in with high expectations. LSU is a toss-up in this recruitment, while a fit would be possible, would this make sense for his future?

Memphis: 

Over the past three days, Penny Hardaway has snagged two commitments from Jordan Nesbitt and John Camden for their 2021 class, joining future five-star Josh Minott. Not one of the three committed prospects is a true guard, not saying that the Tigers are in dire need of a point guard but Davison wouldn’t be a terrible fit.

With a decision from Skyy Clark looming and a reclass possible, I’m unsure of the chances of Davison choosing Memphis. I think the style of play would be interesting for Davison but it seems as if Penny might run several big guards, many of which are scorers. 

Michigan:

This was a last-minute shock for everyone following Davison’s recruitment. After landing guard Frankie Collins on August 15^th, Davison announced his final-six a week later and included the Wolverines on his final-list. Not sure how consistent Juwan Howard has stayed since Davison added them to his list but the fact he let them in with a late-push, they must be under consideration.