Johnny Davis thinks confidence is his key for second season in NBA
WASHINGTON D.C. (CBS 58) - Former Wisconsin Badger Johnny Davis had to grow quickly when he left Madison over a year ago. Not just in his new role as a professional basketball player, but also as a dad to his daughter Sky, who was born right before the season in September 2022.
"It took a while to balance it, having a baby and playing basketball at the same time, because I wanted to make sure I was there for her," said Davis, holding his daughter during his interview with CBS 58. "Once I figured that out, you could kind of see my play increased as well."
Davis played in just 13 NBA games in the first four months of the 2023-24 NBA season, averaging four minutes a game. After spending most of his season in the G League, Davis returned to D.C. to play the final 14 straight games, reaching double figures in half the games, including back-to-back career-high 20-point games, including one against the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I just had to make sure, once I got on the floor, to be confident in myself and be aggressive," said Davis.
Davis feels confidence was his main issue a season ago, which is something he wants to change for year two.
"Whether the ball goes in or not, always stay confident in my shot, confident in my game, and keep hooping", said Davis.
He has a track record of making a second-year leap, whether it was in high school or at University of Wisconsin. At La Crosse Central, Davis went from averaging just under nine points a game to being a 20+ point scorer in his final three years.
As a Badger, Davis came off a year off the bench as freshman. As a sophomore, Davis then became a consensus All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-Big Ten First Team selection.
Now, in his second year with the Wizards, he could have an expanded role, playing for a rebuilding team, now with some familiar faces. Milwaukee natives Jordan Poole and Patrick Baldwin Jr. were just traded to the Wizards from Golden State in the offseason.
"It's great to see guys from my home state make it to the NBA and now be able to play with them. Pat's been at the facility already. I talked to him a little bit, good to see him again. I actually played with him in FIBA U19 World Cup. I think that was two summers ago. I talked to Jordan Poole a little bit, he wanted to take number one from me, but I couldn't give it up," Davis said with a smile. "It's going to be a lot different than last year, but it's new and exciting so I'm looking forward to that."