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Michigan State Basketball: Jaren Jackson Jr., Deyonta Davis could form deadly duo

By Connor Muldowney

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: Deyonta Davis #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: Deyonta Davis #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Jaren Jackson Jr. was selected No. 4 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, forming a scary duo with former Michigan State basketball star Deyonta Davis.

When Jaren Jackson Jr. arrives in Memphis to start training for the 2018-19 season, he will be welcomed by a somewhat familiar face: Deyonta Davis.

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No, the two never played together at Michigan State, but they know what it takes to make it through Tom Izzo’s tough system and to the NBA via the draft. Davis was once projected as a first-round selection, but fell to the second round in 2016. He entered the league after one season at Michigan State, just like Jackson Jr., but has taken some time to adjust to the NBA.

The two can feed off each other in Memphis.

Personality-wise, the two are complete opposites. Davis is a quiet, reserved guy who isn’t the most quotable player while Jackson Jr. can talk to anyone about anything and make it look routine. Behind the scenes, though, both are fierce competitors.

Entering his third NBA season, Davis has had a quiet start to his career, but came on strong at the end of his second year with the Grizzlies. He averaged 8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 24 minutes per game in the final month of 2017-18, making 56 percent of his shots in the process. His teammates have all praised him and Marc Gasol even said he has greatness in him.

Jackson Jr. was selected No. 4 overall by the Grizzlies on Thursday night, potentially to replace Gasol as he nears retirement age. He can also form a deadly duo with his fellow former Spartan and athletic big.

Imagine the two in the post. No offense will feel good about driving the lane, only to get swatted by Davis or Jackson Jr. They have elite shot-blocking abilities but Jackson Jr. could stretch the floor more on offense and defend perimeter-oriented bigs. Davis can patrol the paint and focus on interior-only bigs.

Some believe Jackson Jr. could take Davis’ minutes, but that’s not the case. Deyonta came on strong at the end of the year and his future in Memphis is bright. Jackson Jr. is there to aid in the depth down low and help replace the veterans.

Next: MSU Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions

There could be a Michigan State-oriented post in Memphis soon, and it may be one of the most athletically-gifted in the league.

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