Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
In early January, Arthur Hill’s Eric Davis got an offer that opened the flood gates of college recruiting.
The 6’3″, 160-pound sophomore received a scholarship offer for the Class of 2015 from Michigan State University and coach Tom Izzo.
Since that offer, Davis has received others from Iowa State University, University of Massachusetts, University of Oregon, University of Rhode Island, and most recently North Carolina State University
When an offer like that hits the table, it’s a humbling experience for anyone, let alone a 15-year-old who is just starting to come into his own.
“I was pretty overwhelmed when it happened,” Davis said. “That was pretty special. I am not going to make any decisions any time soon. I just want to enjoy the experience and what ever happens in the next couple years happens. I am concentrating on this year’s team and making it as far as we can.”
Arthur Hill coach Greg McMath said his young point guard is excited about what the future holds. “Getting an offer from Michigan State is a huge deal. He is happy to have the offer from Coach Izzo, who has built such a successful program.”
Izzo has had success recruiting in the Saginaw area in recent years, recruiting the likes of Jason Richardson (Arthur Hill) and Draymond Green (Saginaw). But he also has missed out on talent like Buena Vista star Tory Jackson (Notre Dame) and Saginaw High star Anthony Roberson (Florida).
Izzo saw firsthand the talent pool of this year’s Saginaw High and Arthur Hill teams as he squeezed into a packed Lumberjack gym to watch the two teams square off January 4 in the first of two meetings of the Saginaw schools.
Izzo sat right behind the Arthur Hill bench and watched the two teams do battle.
During the game, Davis missed his first four shots and had just three points at halftime. He finished with seven points and nine assists.
Davis knows there are high expectations for him, but he is looking forward to the challenges that await him with an offer of this magnitude.
“You are going to have good games and bad games, but as long as you keep playing out there anything can happen,” he said. “Right now we are having a great season, and we just have to keep it going.”
Regardless of what the future holds, Davis is having the time of his life.