A Dual Threat: Elisha Davis

(Photo: Brooke Faber/WCSN)

Although she might not seem to light up a box score or “take over” games, Elisha Davis may be the most vital piece of an Arizona State Women’s Basketball team that is hoping to climb it’s way back to March Madness.

Last year as a sophomore Davis was limited to a role on the bench, blocked from the starting five by star Senior Adrianna Thomas. But even with backup minutes, the point guard found a way to reach 94 assists on the season, leading the team.

She has elite level quickness, which allows her to attack the basket, draw defenders, and create shots for her teammates. Her vision and playmaking ability fit well into ASU’s transition based offense, where she can get out and run as her teammates fill appropriate passing lanes to the basket.

She has all the physical tools of a great point with her agility and Rajon Rondo- like court general ability. But she also seems to have a grip on the mental side of the game that often hinders great players from reaching their full capability. She always looks completely in control, relaxed, and like she’s having fun every time she’s on the floor.

“The fact that we prepare for every game let’s me know that I’m ready.” She said when asked about her laid-back on-court demeanor.

“There’s no need to be tense, there is no need to think because the game will just come to me.” She added.

She’ll need to keep that attitude throughout the 2014-2015, as the coaching staff has asked her to do a lot more than come off the bench and dazzle against an opposing team’s reserves. Now the starting point guard for the Sun Devils, Davis has emerged as a leader on the team, becoming one of the more vocal players on the court in both games and in practice.

In terms of scoring, she wasn’t able to contribute much last year averaging a mere 5.5 points per game. She appeared to have the capability to score the ball, shooting a respectable 36 percent from the field, but she often deferred, taking the ball out of her own hands and dishing it to a teammate.

But entering this season there seems to have been a change. “My coaches have made me want to become more of a threat. People won’t know whether to guard me or to sag off.” She said.

Her and the coaches have obviously done something right because Davis is averaging 12 points through two games this year, which is good for second on the team. She looks confident with her shooting stroke, compiling a 53.8 shooting percentage to kick off the young season.

If opposing defenses have to respect her as both a scorer and a passer all year, it’ll be tough to stop Elisha from reaching double- double points and assists per game averages. Opponents will essentially have to pick their poison, deciding to either press up on her at the perimeter, giving her the ability to drive right by them and distribute the rock. Or they can choose to sag off defensively, giving plenty of room for her to knock down that improved jumper.

For most successful basketball teams, it all starts with the point guard. They are the masterminds of the show, and the captains on the floor. And if the Sun Devils are going to achieve their goal of returning to the NCAA tournament, they will need Elisha Davis to continue to lead the way at the point.

Head Coach Charli Turner- Thorne has handed Davis the keys to this team, now all we can do is sit back and see watch her run with it.

 

 

 

 

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