Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Deyonta Davis is NBA’s next great big, says Marc Gasol

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Deyonta Davis (23) shoots in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Deyonta Davis (23) shoots in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Michigan State basketball star Deyonta Davis has a bright future in the NBA and Marc Gasol is even raving about him.

The decision to go pro after just one year at Michigan State shocked many, but Deyonta Davis felt that he was ready for the NBA lifestyle. Unfortunately, he dropped to the second round even though he was considered a potential lottery pick.

Must Read: MSU Recruiting: Constructing ideal 2018 basketball class

While Michigan State fans saw the potential in his limited time in East Lansing, they also felt he needed another year to hone his skills. However, he has landed with an organization in Memphis that seems to be truly invested in developing him into a star.

Grizzlies teammate Marc Gasol had rave reviews for the rookie big out of MSU recently.

According to Michael Wallace of Grind City Media, Gasol didn’t just rave about the rookie big man’s tools, but he basically predicted a big-time future for Davis.

"Marc Gasol believes Davis, who didn’t turn 20 until midseason, has all the tools and will be the “one of the best big men in the league, and a guy who will carry this franchise one day.” Davis’ size, shot-blocking ability and natural instincts around the basket make him the textbook definition of upside."

The consensus feeling around the organization is that Davis is going to be a star in the NBA one day. He stands 6-foot-11 and weighs about 237 pounds, so he has the frame to fit right in to the NBA landscape. He could afford to add a few pounds of muscle, but he’s lean and athletic.

Although he averaged just 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 6.6 minutes per game (36 total games) as a rookie, Davis has a high upside, according to Wallace.

"From front-office execs to the last man on the roster, everyone in the franchise has a vested interest in Davis’ development."

It seems like the former Spartan big man has found a home in Memphis.

Related Story: MSU Basketball: All-time Tom Izzo starting five, bench

Not only is Gasol raving about Davis, but Vince Carter has made a room in his house specifically for the former Spartan if he wants to visit. Also, it can’t hurt to have another former Spartan — Zach Randolph — guiding the young big through the early part of his career. Randolph, too, was a one-and-done.

Home/Spartans Basketball