In the fast-paced world of college basketball, adjustments are key to staying competitive, and Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton isn’t afraid to shake things up. His latest bold move: inserting freshman point guard Daquan Davis into the starting lineup.
Davis made his debut as a starter on December 14 during FSU’s critical win over Tulane. This move followed Hamilton’s decision to switch up the starting five, replacing Taylor Bol Bowen, Chandler Jackson, and Bostyn Holt for undisclosed reasons. While Bowen and Jackson returned to the lineup, Davis earned a permanent spot among the starters.
Although it marked his first start at the collegiate level, Davis’ rise was expected. A future star in college hoops, Davis made a name for himself at Overtime Elite, where he showcased a lethal combination of scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ.
Before his promotion, Davis was a key contributor off the bench, thriving as the primary ball handler and orchestrating the offense with precision. His early season highlights include an 8-point, 3-assist performance against Northern Kentucky and a 19-point explosion against Western Carolina.
As a starter, Davis now has the opportunity to work alongside versatile wing Jamir Watkins, who can also lead the offense and create scoring opportunities. With Davis handling the ball, he takes pressure off other key players like Watkins, Jackson, and Bol Bowen, putting defenses on their heels with his ability to create for himself and others.
Through three games as a starter, Davis is averaging 7.3 points and 4 assists—solid numbers that don’t fully capture his on-court impact. His chemistry with his new starting teammates continues to grow, and despite some ups and downs, his contributions remain crucial.
However, the question remains: How will Davis’ move affect the second unit? Florida State has several important bench players, including Jerry Deng and AJ Swinton. Hopefully, Davis’ promotion won’t disrupt the flow of the bench.
As the season unfolds, Daquan Davis is set to play a major role for the Seminoles. His start as a freshman is just the beginning—this is a player destined to lead FSU for years to come.
