From Spartan to Aztec: A Budding Romance with Viejas Arena

San Diego State University (SDSU) has secured a commitment from Latrell Davis, a junior transfer guard from San Jose State. Davis, originally from Leeds, England, brings a much-needed sharpshooting ability to the Aztecs, who struggled with 3-point accuracy last season, ranking 217th nationally.his journey to SDSU began last year when he played against the Aztecs as a freshman.That initial experience left a lasting impression.

“I low-key fell in love with the school. I could imagine myself playing in this type of habitat with this type of team. It became, yeah, I want to go to this school at some point in my life.”

Latrell Davis

Davis’s connection to SDSU runs deeper than just admiration. Scott Stewart, his high school coach in Florida, has a family tie to the Aztecs program. stewart’s father, Donny, played for Jim Dutcher, Brian Dutcher’s father, at Eastern Michigan and is an alumnus Hall of Famer. This pre-existing relationship likely facilitated Davis’s recruitment and integration into the SDSU community.

The Games That Sealed the Deal

If there was any doubt about Davis’s fit with the Aztecs, his performances against them this past season erased it. In two games against SDSU, whose defense was ranked 16th nationally, Davis showcased his scoring prowess. He tallied 23 points at Viejas Arena, nearly leading San Jose state to an upset victory.Two weeks later, he added 21 points in San Jose. His combined 10-of-18 shooting performance from beyond the arc caught the attention of the Aztecs coaching staff.

“San Diego State is known for defense, and scoring against them is impressive. I was trying to make a name for myself, trying to show people what I can do. But I was even more, this is really the place I want to be. I love this place. I love the crowd, the fans, the environment.”

Latrell Davis

These performances not only highlighted Davis’s scoring ability but also demonstrated his competitive spirit and desire to play in a challenging environment.His ability to perform well against a top-ranked defense suggests he can contribute instantly to the Aztecs’ offensive efforts.

Addressing a Critical Need: Perimeter shooting

Davis’s arrival addresses a notable need for the Aztecs: consistent perimeter shooting. Last season, the team struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 33.3% as a team. Only Magoon Gwath, at 37.8% on limited attempts (1.7 per game), shot above 36% from deep among current roster members. davis, as a sophomore, averaged 11.1 points while shooting 38.3% on nearly four 3-point attempts per game. His ability to create his own shot and knock down perimeter jumpers will provide a valuable dimension to the Aztecs’ offense.

Consider these statistics:

• Team 3-Point Percentage (SDSU, Last Season): 33.3%
• Davis’s 3-Point Percentage (Sophomore Season): 38.3%
• Davis’s 3-Point Attempts (Sophomore Season): Nearly 4 per game

These numbers underscore the potential impact Davis can have on the Aztecs’ offensive efficiency.His presence should open up the floor for other players and provide a reliable scoring option when defenses collapse.

A Rising Star from England

Davis’s journey to SDSU is a testament to his dedication and talent. Born in Leeds, England, he moved to Florida to pursue his basketball dreams. after a successful stint at First Baptist Academy, he initially committed to a junior college before San Jose State recognized his potential. He further showcased his abilities by leading Great Britain to a 6-1 record at the 2023 under-18 European Championships, averaging 14.7 points per game.

Josh Uduje, a fellow Englishman and former teammate at San Jose state, praised Davis’s progress:

“I’m proud of Latrell. He took a big jump this year. And I expect him to have a great college career.”

Josh Uduje,san Jose State senior wing

Davis’s international experience and diverse background will undoubtedly enrich the SDSU program both on and off the court.His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players around the world.

Fit and Future with the Aztecs

Davis describes himself as an aggressive player who enjoys diving for loose balls and playing physical basketball. He believes his style of play aligns well with the Aztecs’ defensive-minded approach.

“I like to dive on loose balls. I like to play aggressively, and I feel like San Diego State plays aggressively in every game.Thay play offense off their defense. That’s what I like about them, and that’s where I can fit. I just like how physical they play and how everyone’s connected.

They were down 21 against us at one point and they came back.They don’t give up. A lot of other teams would be, we’re done, we can’t come back now. They never stopped playing. They came together as a team in a moment of adversity. They didn’t break. That’s what I like.”

Latrell Davis

With two years of eligibility remaining, davis has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Aztecs program. His ability to score,defend,and play with intensity should make him a valuable asset to the team. His commitment fills one of the final scholarship spots for the upcoming season, adding depth and talent to the roster.

Davis’s enthusiasm for the program is evident:

“When I entered the transfer portal, I was hoping San Diego State reached out at some point. People told me they might be interested after I played like that against them both times. I was hoping for it,and then it happened.

After being there, the coaching staff is amazing. They genuinely seem invested in me and seem like they want the best for me. One thing I really like about them is they were super honest in the recruiting process, and I really valued that. Honestly, you’re not going to get that everywhere.They didn’t promise me anything. They kept it real the whole time.

I could see myself in that place, for sure.”

Latrell Davis