Eric Davis, a top 50 shooting guard from Saginaw (Mich.) Arthur Hill, committed to the Texas Longhorns today. Davis announced his decision from his high school, donning a Burnt Orange cap. He chose Texas over UNLV, Michigan, Michigan State, NC State, and LSU.
Davis had taken an official visit to Texas on August 30, one of his two official visits along with a trip to UNLV. He also hosted Texas head coach Rick Barnes on a coaches visit just prior to announcing his college choice.
The 6' 3" senior is listed as a four-star shooting guard by 247 Sports, currently ranked 41st by both the 247 Rankings and the 247 Composite Rankings. His recruiting capsules and highlight reels showcase Davis as a combo guard, but Texas appears to have profiled him as an off-the-ball 2-guard in college.
Davis has a scorer-slasher mentality, with his highlight reels showing good form on his jump shot and an ability to get to the rim. Despite being armed with a nice midrange jumper, Davis is not considered a top-flight long-range shooter, something Texas desperately needs on its roster. However, Davis looks like a guy who just wants to get the ball into the rim. That should make him an instant offense threat off the bench as a freshman, with the hope that he develops into an all-around scorer as he matures.
His prep film doesn't profile Davis as overtly athletic in the mold of a guy like Damarcus Croaker. For example, Davis doesn't have above the rim hops, even on his dunks. However, he looks to have a better handle and passing ability than the current wings on Texas' roster, giving Texas alternative ball-handling options when Davis checks into the game.
Davis is Texas' first commitment in the 2015 class. The Longhorns are currently maxed out on scholarships with 13, but will have at least one available scholarship open next year with the graduation of senior Jonathan Holmes. 247 Sports' Kevin Flaherty noted that Barnes is aggressively pursuing at least two commitments this fall ($). The staff is looking for a point guard to complement Davis, with Houston North Shore's Kerwin Roach the top target. Roach has noted that he will officially visit Texas on October 17 and announce his decision the following week on his 18th birthday, October 24.
Flaherty's article was published prior to the disturbing allegations against sophomore Martez Walker, who has been suspended indefinitely. The insinuation there is that the coaching staff had expected attrition from its glut of wings, which include sophomores Walker, Croaker, and Kendal Yancy, along with junior Demarcus Holland. If Walker exits the program, it's possible that leaves the door open for Texas to continue recruiting other wing options like Duncanville's Matt McQuaid or Dallas Madison's Admon Gilder. For now, Davis appears to be the only take at that position.
Welcome aboard, Eric. And hook 'em.