Adjustments are always made during a basketball season. Sometimes there are certain teams or players that make a coaching staff decide to mix up the rotation. Head coach Leonard Hamilton of Florida State isn’t afraid to make necessary adjustments to keep his team in contention. His most recent one was placing freshman point guard Daquan Davis into the starting lineup.
Davis was placed in the starting lineup on December 14 as Florida State secured a much-needed win over Tulane. Coach Hamilton made a big adjustment by replacing Taylor Bol Bowen, Chandler Jackson, and Bostyn Holt in the starting lineup for undisclosed reasons. While Bol Bowen and Jackson eventually made their return as starters, Coach Hamilton decided to keep his freshman guard as one of the first five in the game for Florida State.
Being a starter became a new position for Davis in his collegiate career. However, it was expected to happen soon. Davis is a future star in college basketball. For those who watched him during his time at Overtime Elite, he’s an elite offensive force who can display a combination of scoring, playmaking, etc.
Davis was a pivotal piece in the second unit through the first month of the season. As the primary ball-handler, he did a terrific job running the half-court offense with his quick decision-making and scoring. Coming off the bench, Davis had several great performances. He kicked off the season with 8 points and 3 assists against Northern Kentucky while also displaying a 19-point outing against Western Carolina.
Davis being placed in the starting lineup gives him several options. He’s placed in more lineups next to versatile wing Jamir Watkins, who can take control of the offense himself and create plays. At this point, Davis’ job is to take pressure off players like Watkins, Jackson, Bol Bowen, and others. He can put pressure on the defense with the ball in his hands and without. With Watkins on the floor, Davis has had several opportunities on offense to create high-percentage shots for himself and others.
Davis is averaging 7.3 points along with four assists in three games as a starter. The numbers are not mind-blowing, by any means. However, the impact is still on the floor. Davis has continued to create a feel for playing next to his teammates in the starting five. While he’s had his high and low moments, he’s continued to produce at a high level.
My only concern for Daquan Davis being a starter is what’s next for the second unit. Sure, Florida State features key players like Jerry Deng, Alier Maluk, AJ Swinton, and several others. While Davis can certainly be placed in lineups next to the bench players, hopefully, it doesn’t change the chemistry of how the second unit operates.
As the season continues, Daquan Davis will continue to play a big role as a starting guard for Florida State. It’s a position he was meant to be in and it was only a matter of time before Coach Hamilton placed him with the first five. Davis being a starter as a freshman will potentially prepare him to have the keys as the star player for the Seminoles moving forward.