Anthony Davis: Why a Viral College Basketball Star Turned Down Millions of Dollars
The meteoric rise and the unexpected choice of the former Kentucky Wildcat
Introduction
Anthony Davis, the former Kentucky Wildcat who was once considered one of the most promising players in college basketball, made a surprising decision to forgo a lucrative NBA career to pursue a life of normalcy. Despite being projected as a top pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and having the potential to earn millions of dollars, Davis shocked the basketball world by announcing his decision to withdraw from the draft and return to Kentucky for his sophomore season.
Early Life and College Career
Davis was born in Chicago, Illinois, and began playing basketball at an early age. He quickly emerged as a standout player, earning a scholarship to play for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2011. During his freshman season, Davis averaged 14.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, leading the Wildcats to the NCAA championship game.
In his sophomore season, Davis further solidified his status as one of the best players in the country. He averaged 18.9 points and 13.8 rebounds per game, earning consensus first-team All-American honors and helping Kentucky win another NCAA championship.
NBA Draft Decision
After his sophomore season, Davis was widely expected to be the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He had the size, athleticism, and skill set that NBA teams covet. However, just days before the draft, Davis announced that he would be withdrawing his name and returning to Kentucky for his junior season.
Davis's decision was met with surprise and disappointment by many NBA fans and experts. He was projected to earn a multi-million dollar contract if he entered the draft. However, Davis explained that he felt he needed more time to develop both on and off the court before making the jump to the NBA.
Return to Kentucky and NBA Career
Davis returned to Kentucky for his junior season and continued to improve his game. He averaged 22.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, leading the Wildcats to a third consecutive NCAA championship appearance. After the season, Davis finally declared for the NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the New Orleans Hornets.
Davis has gone on to have a successful NBA career, earning multiple All-Star selections and helping the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship. However, his decision to turn down millions of dollars to return to college remains a topic of discussion among basketball fans.
Reasons for Returning to College
There were several reasons why Davis decided to return to college instead of entering the NBA Draft.
- Need for Development: Davis felt that he needed more time to develop both physically and mentally before making the jump to the NBA. He wanted to improve his strength, conditioning, and basketball IQ.
- Unfinished Business: Davis had unfinished business at Kentucky. He wanted to help the Wildcats win another NCAA championship and felt that he could contribute more to the team if he returned for his junior season.
- Value of Education: Davis placed a high value on education and wanted to complete his degree before pursuing a professional basketball career.
Conclusion
Anthony Davis's decision to return to college was a bold one, but it ultimately proved to be the right one for him. He was able to develop his game further, win another NCAA championship, and earn a degree. While he may have given up millions of dollars in the short term, he gained something more valuable in the long run: a well-rounded education and a successful NBA career.
