A. J. Davis (basketball)
A. J. Davis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Antonio Lee Davis Jr. March 15, 1995 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Known for | Playing for Niagara River Lions in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) |
Antonio Lee "A. J." Davis Jr. (born March 15, 1995) is a professional basketball athlete from the United States currently playing for the Niagara River Lions in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). His collegiate basketball career included tenures at Tennessee and UCF.
Early life and high school
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana while his father was active with the Indiana Pacers, Davis experienced multiple relocations before his family ultimately settled in Atlanta following his father's retirement from professional basketball. He started high school at Greater Atlanta Christian School, where he played a key role in securing back-to-back Georgia High School Association (GHSA) state titles. Prior to his junior year, he transferred to Buford High School.
Tennessee
Davis initiated his college basketball journey at Tennessee, where as a freshman he averaged 1.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and logged 9.4 minutes per game across 25 contests. After completing his freshman year, he transferred to the University of Central Florida.
UCF
Due to NCAA transfer regulations, Davis redshirted his sophomore season before competing for three years with the Knights. In his final season as a redshirt senior, he posted averages of 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds (ranking third in the AAC), and 2.2 assists per game over 33 starts, earning honorable mention recognition in the All-American Athletic Conference. He amassed a total of 1,030 career points—33 at Tennessee and 997 at UCF—ranking eighth in UCF history with 633 rebounds and seventh with 319 free throws made. After concluding his collegiate career, Davis took part in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Prishtina
On September 5, 2018, Davis signed with KB Prishtina competing in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague. During nine Superleague appearances, he averaged 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists; in eight FIBA Europe Cup games, he posted averages of 11.8 points and 3.5 rebounds; additionally, across two matches in the Champions League, he scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Brisbane Bullets
Davis joined the Brisbane Bullets of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) on January 4, 2019. Over the course of twelve games, he averaged 3.8 points and 1.8 rebounds.
Delaware Blue Coats
The Delaware Blue Coats, part of the NBA G League, claimed Davis off waivers on March 7, 2019. He appeared in two contests for Delaware, recording three points and six rebounds while remaining on their roster through the conclusion of the 2018-19 NBA G League season. Subsequently, Davis was included on the Philadelphia 76ers roster for the Summer League.
Stockton Kings
On November 25, 2019, Davis was acquired by the Stockton Kings from the G League player pool.
Real Estelí
Davis inked a deal with Real Estelí Baloncesto, competing in Nicaragua’s Liga Superior de Baloncesto, on January 4, 2020.
BC Luleå
He signed with Swedish club BC Luleå on September 25, 2020.
Charilaos Trikoupis
During the second half of the 2020–2021 season, Davis competed with the Greek team Charilaos Trikoupis.
Mauricio Báez club
In the championship final of the Dominican Torneo Superior de Baloncesto, Davis played a key role by scoring 26 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out four assists, helping his team secure a 78–73 victory over San Lázaro.
Niagara River Lions
Davis inked a contract with the Niagara River Lions of the CEBL on April 26, 2022.
Apollon Patras
On August 20, 2022, Davis made his return to Greece by signing with Apollon Patras. Throughout 22 league appearances, he posted averages of 9.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2 assists while playing approximately 33 minutes per contest.
Niagara River Lions (second stint)
Davis re-signed with the Niagara River Lions on March 23, 2023, marking his second tenure with the club.
Leuven Bears
On December 12, 2023, Davis joined the Leuven Bears, competing in the BNXT League.
Niagara River Lions (third stint)
Davis committed to a third spell with the Niagara River Lions on February 29, 2024.
Personal life
Davis is the son of former NBA All-Star Antonio Davis. His twin sister, Kaela Davis, is a professional player for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA.