Nike Elite Stars Director Scott Whittle talks JD Davison's Alabama pledge
Yesterday, Alabama’s Nate Oats secured the biggest commitment of his short tenure so far at Alabama when he landed JD Davison. Not only did he secure the second-highest pledge in program history, but, he kept one of the state’s most talented prospects ever in the state.
He really burst onto the scene during his AAU days over the past few years, once previously with the Alabama Fusion program, Scott Whittle made the move to the Nike Elite Stars.
He didn’t move alone. Davison decided that he would remain with Whittle and made the move with him, a move that would ultimately benefit both Davison’s development and career but Whittle had the chance to coach a player of his caliber.
Whittle speaks extremely highly of Davison and his development but started off our conversation by pointing out Davison’s improved shooting.
Here’s a very interesting story from Whittle on Davison’s three-point shooting:
“It started when we played in Las Vegas. We talked about him shooting the ball more from the three-point line. He probably had taken less than a dozen three-pointers the entire summer up until our trip to Vegas. He ended up shooting 14-26 from deep and his confidence from then on skyrocketed. He went on to make that big step-back three to win a state championship at Calhoun High School.”
Davison began working out with NBA shooting coach Rob Allen, who has had an influential impact on Davison’s improved shooting ability. Whittle says as the two have been working on his shooting skill, Allen has contributed to him becoming a “very reliable scorer.”
Whittle also spoke heavily on the off-the-court impact Davison has and the excitement he will bring to the program:
“JD’s arrival to Tuscaloosa will bring excitement to Coleman Coliseum that started with Sexton and Lewis to another level. Expect to see students and fans wearing the trademark JD hairstyle. His infectious personality will only bolster the excitement of the basketball program at Alabama.”
Whittle also said one thing that people will be shocked about JD Davison is how humble he is.
“Most five-star guys aren’t this way. JD genuinely enjoys seeing others around him succeed.”
One thing Tide fans will be excited about? They could possibly have Davison for two seasons.
“A handful of [NBA] scouts have gotten a chance to see JD and talked to me about his ability. The feedback has all been positive. They all see him as a one or two-year college player before making the jump to the next level.”
Davison is currently projected as a first-round selection in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Something else of note: Davison has stepped on the court with Ja Morant, Eric Bledsoe, and Boogie Cousins in the past, but according to Whittle they were “Just hooping.”