Today, Johnny Davis was announced as the Big Ten player of the year. What an honor it is for Davis as he was competing against great players like Kofi Cockburn, Keegan Murray, and Jaden Ivey. In the end Davis wins the award after averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, and two assists per game. He was the only player in the conference to lead his team in all three major categories. He also is the first Wisconsin player since Michael Finley in 1994-1995 to average 20 PPG in a season.
What an incredible season from the Sophomore guard from La Crosse, WI. After a good freshman year limited by a veteran heavy team. Davis put in the work behind the scenes and made one of the biggest jumps from a Wisconsin player I have ever seen. Johnny finished top 6 in both scoring and rebounding in the Big Ten this season. In the eight games versus ranked teams he averaged 24.1 PPG and 8.2 RPG. While also averaging 22.4 PPG and almost 40% from three away from the Kohl Center.
Best player in the Big Ten.
Congrats, @JohnnyDavis pic.twitter.com/10F5NTpBsX
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 8, 2022
Favorite Moments
Some of my favorite moments from Johnny this season came in the most important games. I think what won Johnny this award is these iconic performances against some of the best teams in the country. Davis led the entire NCAA in points per game against ranked opponents. I think back to the 37 at Purdue, 30 at Indiana, or the 25 at Michigan State. His best games this season were in the biggest moments on the biggest stage. Not to mention, he had a few highlight reel dunks that gave me flashbacks to Alando Tucker.
Morning!
We thought you'd like to start your day with highlights from @JonathanCDavis1's career night. 👀 pic.twitter.com/EJNjQEn2tQ
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) January 4, 2022
He put TJD on a poster 😱
@JonathanCDavis1 // @BadgerMBB pic.twitter.com/3YMTKOQy3E
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) December 9, 2021
Other Awards
Johnny also was named first team all Big Ten. However, one media member did not vote him so it was not unanimous. I would love to know who thought the Big Ten player of the year isn’t first team in the conference. Brad Davison was named second team all Big Ten. A great honor for the super senior who has adapted to his new role within the team and done so beautifully. Freshman guard Chucky Hepburn also received some recognition as he was named to the Big Ten freshman
Gard Named Big Ten Coach of the Year
Other things to note, coach Greg Gard was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. After being projected to finish tenth in the conference, it is a no brainer that Gard wins this award after earning a share of the Big Ten regular season champions. This will be Coach Gard’s second time winning the award in just the last three seasons. Safe to say that crowd who wanted the coach gone last summer sure are quiet today. I was told he had completely lost this locker room, couldn’t recruit, and overall wasn’t a successful coach. What a year it has been for him and honestly what a last couple years it has been. Two regular season championships and two Big Ten Coach of the year awards. Now it’s time for some success in March for Coach Gard!
That's our head coach! 👏
For the second time in the last three seasons, Greg Gard is Big Ten Coach of the Year pic.twitter.com/9q2vIQh3gx
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 8, 2022
One Last Run
Johnny is dealing with that ankle injury but he said today it is feeling better. He also mentioned, Wisconsin has until Friday at 5:30 for their first game thanks to the double-bye which is huge for Davis. A great season and great career for Johnny Davis. Davis will be NBA bound after this year as he is a projected top 10 pick. Although we all wish he would stay longer, Johnny has made an everlasting affect on this program. Proving that you can stay home, play for the Badgers and still achieve your NBA dreams. Let’s hope Johnny and this Cinderella team have a March run in them.
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