Wright State’s Davis finds NIL deal that’s a perfect fit

“I’ve got good acting skill,” he said with a wide smile. “I’m waiting for somebody to put me in a movie or a show or something.”

The Trotwood native was jesting, but he’s already found work in front of a camera in a Name, Image and Likeness partnership with Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.

The company contacted him after he announced he was transferring to the Raiders in the spring of 2022. Since Lee’s already was one of his favorite eateries, it was an ideal fit.

“That’s my spot,” Davis said. “I go there and get the jumbo dippers every time. That’s my go-to meal.

“I used to eat it before my games in high school. That was kind of my signature meal.”

Davis filmed a 30-second spot for the fast-food outlet, wearing his Wright State jersey while cooking and serving surprised customers at the drive-thru window.

He posted it on his social-media platforms while also agreeing to a picture-and-autograph session (that took place Feb. 11) and a couple of radio ads.

“I guess they knew I was playing for Wright State, and they know I’m sort of a hometown hero,” Davis said. “They told me, ‘We’ll get you on board. We know you have a nice little fan base, and we’ll get them out to eat some chicken, too.’”

Cameron Langer, marketing director for Lee’s Famous Recipe, felt bringing Davis on board was a win-win.

“This partnership was put together to not only help the Lee’s brand, but grow Amari’s personal brand as well, showing what a great person he is within the community,” he said.

Those putting together NIL deals with college athletes are notoriously skittish, offering few details for fear they could be breaking rules (news flash: there are none).

Asked about Davis’ end of the arrangement, Langer said:

“Without giving any numbers … Amari gets a monthly Lee’s gift card to use for himself and whoever else he’d like to treat. As far as payment goes, half is paid at the beginning of the agreement and the other half is paid whenever he completes his obligations.”

Davis said he’s making $500 to $1,000, but he puts more value on the perks.

“I get chicken pretty much anytime I want. That’s always a bonus. If I don’t want something in the house, I can always run to Lee’s,” he said.

“And just the recognition you get. You walk out to prepare for your day, and people say, ‘Oh, you’re from Lee’s.’ It’s just nice getting the recognition from people.”

Davis hasn’t been able to do much about raising his profile on the court these days. After a promising start to the season — and having arrived with much fanfare as a former All-Horizon League pick — he’s been relegated mostly to the bench.

He averaged 12 points in the first 18 games but just 3.8 in the last 10 while losing his starting job.

He sat out the Purdue Fort Wayne game Sunday with a shoulder injury.

“I talked to my parents — I probably talk to them more than anybody — and they kind of said, ‘Block out the outside noise,’” Davis said.

“The coaches told me the same thing: ‘We know what’s best for you. We’re not saying nobody else does, but we’ve got your best interests at heart. Look to the people who care about you.’”

They’ve been clear with Davis about what’s missing.

“It was just little stuff like bringing more energy and being a bigger voice on this team. I’ve been trying to do that,” he said.

He averaged 15.9 points his first year at Green Bay to become the program’s first HL freshman of the year.

He was named second-team all-league after averaging 17.2 as a sophomore.

Green Bay changed coaches between his first two seasons, and he transferred to Missouri, finishing third in scoring with a 9.0 average.

After yet another coaching change, he transferred to Wright State.

But despite the hardships on the court, he said: “I love it here. I love my coaching staff and teammates.”

Davis has adapted so well that he plans to return to the Raiders for his fifth year of eligibility.

“I haven’t been on a team where I’ve had the same coaching staff more than one year,” he said. “I thought, why not come back and get another year and get my degree, too?

“It’s a good situation all around.”

He has big plans for next year — his first goal is to regain his starting spot.

And if Lee’s or anyone else is looking for a pitch man, he’d be happy to put those acting skills to work again.

THURSDAY’S GAME

Wright State at Oakland, 7 p.m., ESPN+, 980