Recruiting Report: Ben Davis (2017)
With Oak Hill being such a national powerhouse, every year they bring in nationally ranked blue chip prospects who want to come to the rural boarding school to prepare for basketball at the next level. However, for those who aren’t…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith Oak Hill being such a national powerhouse, every year they bring in nationally ranked blue chip prospects who want to come to the rural boarding school to prepare for basketball at the next level. However, for those who aren’t among the best players in the country, the preparation and level of competition still makes them better both on and off the court.
For senior Ben Davis, he chose to transfer to the top ranked high school his senior year, giving up the opportunity to be a star his senior year to prepare for the next level. While it wasn’t easy, he says he can already see the move paying off.
“It was a big change at first, but it’s been great,” Davis said about his move to Oak Hill from Utah. “They’re pushing me to do stuff I didn’t think I could do, I’m guarding some of the best players in the nation in practice, and it’s making me a much better player. Both mentally and physically, being away from the family and getting the training wheels for college.”
A 6’5” strong four man, Davis typically guards Kansas commit Billy Preston, a 6’9” combo forward in practice. While he’s giving up some height in that matchup, it’s something that he is used to dealing with.
“I’m a stretch four because I’m a little undersized to be a big but I can shoot the ball pretty well,” Davis said. “I think I’m different at the power forward spot because I can dribble a little bit, I can pass and I think those are the things I do the best.”
While Davis is far from the most household name in recruiting circles for Oak Hill, he has seen plenty of division one interest from his time in Utah. He currently claims an offer from University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley in the WAC (former UT Pan America), and claims interest from Utah, Montana, Minnesota and East Tennessee State.
His ability to step out and shoot it makes him ideal for schools who run four out sets offensively, however he knows that if he’s going to be part of a “small-ball” team he’s going to need to be able to guard smaller players moving forward.
“I need to learn to move my feet a little better so I can guard on the perimeter. As I said before I’m a little undersized to play in the paint, but if I can get out and move my feet and defend some guards I think that could be the next step for me.”
As for the season, Davis is aware of the prestige that comes for playing with Oak Hill, and he just wants to be a part of something special this season.
“As a team I obviously want to win another national championship, and individually just play well to help the team and get the best scholarship I can.”
Playing one of the toughest and longest schedules in high school basketball is a grind, but the Warriors have started the season 9-0 and are ranked as the number one team in the country by USA Today. With close to 50 games on their schedule and a thin front line, Davis will have a chance to show that he can be part of a great team, and college coaches should continue to take notice moving forward.