Davis Signs Pro Contract With Besiktas J.K.
6/17/2020 2:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
RIVERSIDE --- Former California Baptist University men's basketball standout and recent graduate, De'jon Davis, has signed a professional contract with Beşiktaş Sompo Japan Istanbul men's basketball team in the first division Turkish Basketball Super League.
"My basketball journey has been a rollercoaster, but I love and cherish every moment," said Davis. "I remember it was a dream of mine to finally play college basketball, and CBU gave me that opportunity to make it a reality. By the end of my junior year, I couldn't believe that my senior year had approached, my final year of college basketball. The best way I could describe my senior year was simply a movie; it was one that I truly didn't want to come to an end, I really believe that my senior year was the best year of my college career and was the most fun I ever had playing basketball. I always wanted to play professionally, but starting my college career, I didn't know how possible that would be. But as of now, after finishing my college basketball career, I am proud to say that I am finally a professional basketball player. I am happy to announce that I will be playing 1st division in Istanbul, Turkey, for Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul, my rookie season. I want to just thank God for this amazing opportunity, my family, and my coaching staff for investing so much time and love into me these last four years, I could not do this by myself, and for that, I am truly grateful and humble."
Davis, a 6-foot-7 forward from Oakland, California, finished his senior season accomplishing something only a handful of Western Athletic Conference players have done throughout the conference's history. Davis led the WAC in rebounding in back-to-back seasons in both overall statistics and conference statistics. He was named to the WAC All-Defensive Team and a Second Team All-WAC selection.
"From the moment he stepped foot on this campus, De'jon Davis began leaving an indelible legacy marked by unparalleled character and selfless commitment," said head coach Rick Croy. "The professional opportunity De'jon has just accepted is a great one and is special fruit borne out of four exceptional years of inspiring work. To say I am proud of De'jon would be a true understatement; for I had the daily honor of getting to work with, and learn from him.
In the 2019-2020 season, Davis averaged a WAC-best 9.9 rebounds in conference games and 9.7 rebounds on the season. As a junior, he held an average of 9.3 rebounds in conference play, and 9.2 rebounds on the season. NBA Champion and former NM State Aggie, Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors, was the last WAC player to accomplish that feat (2014-16).
A legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
— CBU Men's Basketball (@CBUmbb) March 10, 2020
Your All-Defensive Team and All-WAC Second-Team selection, De'jon Davis!#LanceUp⚔️ | #WAChoops pic.twitter.com/cUVsFpfzmY
Beşiktaş J.K. was founded in 1933 and is located in Istanbul, Turkey, where the team plays at the Akatlar Arena. Beşiktaş J.K. made national news in October 2010, when the team announced the signing of former NBA Most Valuable Player, Allen Iverson. During the NBA's lockout in July 2011, the team also signed NBA All-Star Deron Williams. Beşiktaş J.K. also competes in the European Cup and the Turkish Cup in the postseason.
Davis was a fan favorite for Lancer Nation, as the forward was unstoppable on the glass for the Lancers. He recorded 14 double-digit games in rebounds and had five games with 15 or more rebounds with a career-high 19 rebounds twice. He also was named as the TicketSmarter WAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week twice during his senior season.
Davis had the ability to change any game with his contagious and electric energy. His 214 defensive rebounds were 68 more than the next closest conference player, and his 14 blocks on the season ranked 16th in the WAC. His biggest block of the season came against CSU Bakersfield on Feb. 6 during a 74-69 Lancer win.
FINAL | @CBUmbb 74 CSU Bakersfield 69
— The Western Athletic Conference (@WACsports) February 7, 2020
WAC Player Of The Week, De'jon Davis, showing why he deserves the honor with this huge BLOCK! pic.twitter.com/tmXcAsd7SO
On Feb. 26, Davis scored his 1,000th point in his four-year career as a Lancer against Utah Valley. He finished the game with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Here's the moment De'jon Davis scored his 1,000th career point at CBU!#LanceUp⚔ | #WAChoops pic.twitter.com/PBhj6eJrmd
— CBU Men's Basketball (@CBUmbb) February 27, 2020
His best game came against Seattle U on Feb. 29, when he recorded a career-best 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. He put the Lancers in a position to win the game, knocking down the two free throws to send the game into OT.
HIS NAME IS DE'JON DAVIS!!!!
— CBU Men's Basketball (@CBUmbb) March 1, 2020
We are headed to OT! #LanceUp⚔ | #WAChoops pic.twitter.com/r0PMXEZNHk
