A Tribute to the Seniors: Brandon Davies

Jan. 24, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Brandon Davies gets off the bus before a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Davies has a silky smooth post game, and an electric turn around jumper. He has the ability to pump up the crowd by throwing down a monster dunk. He was  BYU’s best post player last season, and one of the team’s overall leaders. BYU will miss the services of Brandon Davies greatly in the coming years. Here is a look back on the prestigious career of BYU forward, Brandon Davies.

Before BYU

Davies grew up in Provo, Utah, and he lived in the shadow of BYU athletics his whole life. After being recruited by the Cougars, as well as Utah State, Utah, Gonzaga, California, Washington State, Penn State, and Santa Clara, he decided to stay home and attend BYU. He led Provo High School to a 7-1 record, and averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds in his senior year of high school. He won two state titles in his sophomore and junior years, and a second place finish in his senior year. He was named to the first-team all state team by the Salt Lake Tribune and Desert News, and a second team selection for the Long Beach Telegram Best in the West team.

Freshman Season

As a freshman, Davies showed his great talent in limited minutes on a great BYU team that went 30-6. Although minutes were a little scarce, Davies still produced at a decent rate. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.o rebounds in his first season as a Cougar. He shot .539 from the field, and scored in double figures six times.

Sophomore Season

Davies saw a jump in production during his sophomore season. On one of the greatest BYU teams of all time, Davies averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. He was named to the third team all-MWC after this season. Unfortunately for Davies, he was not able to play in the NCAA tournament, because he was suspended at the beginning of March for breaking the schools honor code. However, that did not stop him in continuing his career at BYU.

Junior Season 

BYU made the jump to the WCC, and Davies numbers saw a jump as well. Davies averaged 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in his third season as a Cougar. He was named to the All-WCC team, and the NABC All-District second team in this season. He was named the teams comeback player of the year, as well as the most outstanding player.

Senior Season

As a team captain, Davies led his team deep into the NIT tournament. He was once again named to the All-WCC team, as well as the USBWA all-district first team. He started every game,  and scored in double figures 35 times, scored 20-plus points 15 times, led the team in scoring 11 times, rebounding 24 times, and assists 7 times. He averaged 17.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in his senior season. He also shot .522 from the field.

In the Record Books

Davies pops up frequently in the BYU record books, which is a testament to his illustrious career. He is 2nd in career all-time offensive rebounds with 246, 3rd in games played with 135, 3rd in free throw attempts with 691, 5th in total rebounds with 840, 5th in blocks with 123, 8th in steals with 132, 8th in field goals made with 609, 8th in free throws made 456 , tied for 9th in double-doubles with 24, and 10th in scoring with 1680 points.

Brandon Davies simply just got the job done. Although he had his fair share of adversity, Davies did not let it effect his future play. He was a leader on and off the court. Although the BYU future looks extremely bright, they will miss Brandon Davies a great deal. I would be astonished if Davies wasn’t on an NBA team this fall. Throughout college, he showed the ability to score and rebound with relative ease. He would be able to implement his fluent post game at the next level. Although he likely will not be a starter, he should have a decent role on an NBA team in his rookie season.