Wikipedia defines a combo guard as a basketball player who combines the attributes of a shooting guard and point guard, but does not necessarily fit the standard description of either position. Combo guards use their ball-handling skills to bring the ball up the court and set up teammates, while also being able to create their own shot.
This definition describes James Davis of the Arroyo Dons in the Hayward Area Athletic League. As a junior last year, Davis averaged 21.8 points per game, but the Dons had a subpar 10-16 record. For his senior year, he is only concerned about leaving on a winning note. He will have the support of teammates Chris Patterson (6-4, 186 pound PF), Khari Owens (5-11, 160 pound SG), and Khiari Swift (6-3, 235 pound SF).
At 6-foot and 170 pounds, Davis considers himself to be a finesse player that is comfortable with passing and scoring in different ways. His style of play is similar to former Arizona State star Eddie House or former Connecticut star Ray Allen because he moves well without the ball and can come off of screens to take his jump shot. In addition, his ball handling skills are fluid enough that the offense can run through him.
J-Diddy, what his teammates call him, works tirelessly on his perimeter shot during the offseason. In addition, he played with his club team, Lakeshow 17s, which also has San Ramon Valley HS Mark Tollefsen and Montgomery HS Ben Freeland. During the summer events including the inaugural NCAA-sanctioned Nor Cal Summer Tip Off at City College of San Francisco and the Double Pump Best of the Summer in Anaheim, Davis was showcasing his basketball skills to NCAA coaches.
He demonstrated that he has the ability to score anywhere from the court, whether it be a pull up jumper or taking the ball to the rim. His ball handling skills allow him to create his own shot if necessary. Lakeshow Coach Joe Fuca says, "James' strengths are his shooting (knock down shooter), driving to basket, great passer, and can play great trapping defense. In one summer event in Vegas, James made seven 3's in one game."
His summer play helped increase the interest from the next level. CSU Northridge, Hartford, Northern Colorado, and Portland State all showed some interest. He recently visited Northern Colorado and accepted a verbal offer. Coach Fuca says, "He leads by example. He was a good leader even when he wasn't in the game. James will play D1 Ball. He is a mid major guard. He will thrive in the WAC, Big West, or Big Sky."
This Don is looking to major in Computer Engineering or Sports Medicine. Coach Fuca who has had extensive conversations with the Northern Colorado staff believes that Davis is a good fit for them. Last year, the best guard in the Big Sky conference was Will Figures who is an undersized guard from Northern Colorado. Figures is fast, can shoot from anywhere, and has great awareness on the court. Davis fits in this mold and can be a big time scorer for the Bears. Presumably in 2011, Davis can be a seamless fit to the Northern Colorado program and get right into the rotation and help them in the conference.
Look for this future Bear to score in spades for Northern Colorado in the Big Sky Conference.
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