College basketball: Trotwood-Madison grad Davis leaving Wright State

In the league preseason poll, the former Trotwood-Madison star was picked second-team all-conference along with fellow Raider Trey Calvin.

But a homecoming that came with such promise has ended after just one year. Davis announced Monday he was transferring to the University of Tampa, reuniting with former Green Bay coach Linc Darner, who just landed the job there.

“He has aspirations of playing beyond (college). In order to do that, you’ve got to play, and you’ve got to put up big numbers,” Nagy said.

“We hoped he’d do that here. But as the year went along last year, and going into this year, having all those same guards back, it was questionable to him whether he’d play the same amount. He COULD, but I can’t promise that.”

Sometimes a coach celebrates in secret when a player transfers. This isn’t that.

“We love Amari. Great attitude, great kid. Everything was the way we wanted it in terms of the kind of person we’re looking for in our program,” Nagy said.

“But with this being his last year, he wants to know and be sure he’s going to be one of those main factors (on a team).”

Davis averaged 15.8 points in the first five games, but he eventually lost his starting job and barely played toward the end of the season.

The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 4.3 points and 11.3 minutes over the last 11 games.

He has one season of eligibility left, and he was at his best in Darner’s fast-paced offense, averaging 15.9 points, shooting 51.4% and becoming the Phoenix’s only league freshman of the year.

Davis didn’t return a message seeking comment, but he shared his sentiments on Twitter:

“I want to thank Coach Nagy and everyone at Wright State for giving me the chance to play back home. The marathon just continue (sic) and I’ll be playing my final year of college ball at Tampa University. Thank you Coach Darner for giving me another chance.”

The transfer of Tanner Holden — a two-time first-team all-league pick — from Ohio State back to Wright State also could mean fewer minutes for the returning wings, though he has to go through a waiver process to be eligible this season.

“That’s an unknown. It’s so far off, it’s unknown,” Nagy said of Holden’s status. “But if Tanner would be eligible, it would make it more difficult for Amari.”

Nagy tried to keep Davis engaged, often talking with the player as the two walked off the court after games.

“Had he stayed, we’d have been very happy, but I don’t need him to be a security blanket for us. And he doesn’t want that, either,” Nagy said.

“He wants more than that, and I don’t blame him.”

Davis averaged 8.5 points and shot just 43.4%, going 1 of 14 on 3′s.

Nagy said he doesn’t know why it never clicked for Davis. “And he doesn’t, either. I don’t think anybody can answer that.

“It wasn’t the kind of season ANY of us wanted for him.

“But he still never fought us. I’ve enjoyed coaching him and love him to death.”