Will Antoine Davis Make It to the NBA? Analyzing His Chances and Career Path

As I watched Antoine Davis drain another three-pointer in his final college game, I couldn't help but wonder if I was witnessing the making of an NBA player or simply another college basketball phenom who'd dominate the NCAA but never quite translate to the professional level. Having followed basketball prospects for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for what separates NBA talent from great college players, and Davis presents one of the most fascinating cases I've seen in recent years. His scoring prowess is undeniable - the man averaged over 25 points per game throughout his college career - but the transition to the NBA requires more than just putting up big numbers against college defenses.

The reference to Lingolingo's performance in that Red Warriors game actually provides an interesting parallel when evaluating Davis. Lingolingo scored 19 points with seven rebounds, showing he could contribute in multiple ways during crucial moments, particularly with 12 points in the third quarter comeback. Similarly, Davis has demonstrated he can take over games when it matters most. But here's what worries me about Davis - while he's an elite scorer, I'm not convinced he's developed the all-around game that today's NBA demands from guards. Modern NBA offenses require players who can create for others, defend multiple positions, and contribute without needing the ball in their hands every possession. Davis has improved his playmaking, averaging about 3.5 assists this past season, but that's still below what I'd like to see from an NBA-bound guard.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - Davis's age and physical attributes. At 24 years old, he's significantly older than most prospects, which means he has less room for development compared to 19 or 20-year-olds entering the draft. Standing at 6'1" with a wingspan that doesn't particularly stand out, he's undersized for an NBA shooting guard, yet he lacks the pure point guard skills to run an offense at the highest level. I've seen countless players with similar physical limitations struggle to find their niche in the league. The defensive concerns are real too - against quicker, stronger NBA guards, I worry he'd become a liability that coaches would struggle to hide in defensive schemes.

However, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge what makes Davis special. His shooting range is absolutely NBA-ready - he shot 38% from three-point territory on high volume, often with defenders in his face. That kind of shooting translates to any level. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble reminds me somewhat of a younger CJ McCollum, though McCollum had better ball-handling skills at the same stage. Davis's work ethic appears tremendous, and his basketball IQ seems higher than many give him credit for. These intangible qualities matter more than people realize when projecting NBA success.

Looking at potential career paths, I don't see Davis as an immediate impact player, but he could follow the Cameron Payne route - starting in the G League, developing his game, and eventually earning rotation minutes. The two-way contract system has created more opportunities for players like Davis to prove themselves without the immediate pressure of performing in NBA games. I could also see him having success overseas if the NBA doesn't work out immediately - his scoring ability would translate well to European leagues where spacing and shooting are highly valued.

The comparison to John Abate's stat line in that reference game - 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals before fouling out - highlights what NBA teams want beyond scoring. That all-around contribution is exactly what Davis needs to demonstrate he can provide consistently. The fouling out part particularly resonates - Davis has sometimes struggled with defensive discipline, accumulating unnecessary fouls when trying to compensate for physical limitations.

Ultimately, I'd put Davis's chances of making an NBA roster at about 40% for the upcoming season, though I believe he'll get opportunities through summer league and training camp invites. His shooting gives him a legitimate chance, but he'll need to prove he can contribute in other ways and hold his own defensively. The modern NBA values specialists, and Davis could carve out a role as a microwave scorer off the bench if he embraces that identity. Having watched his development over four years, I'm rooting for him - there's something compelling about players who overcome physical limitations through skill and determination. Whether he makes it immediately or takes a more circuitous route, I suspect we haven't heard the last of Antoine Davis's basketball journey.