Davis Looks for Pro Basketball Career in Germany

Former University of Michigan basketball player Austin Davis, back, works on defense with camp attendees at the Michigan Sports Facility of Jackson on Tuesday. The three-day camp will conclude on Thursday in Jackson. Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(June 22, 2021 4:02 PM) Onsted High School graduate Austin Davis had the unique opportunity to come back to play Division 1 basketball at the University of Michigan for a sixth season due to COVID-19 complications this past season.

The senior center decided it was time to move on.

Davis spent the last five seasons at U of M winning a Big Ten outright basketball champion this last spring, two Big Ten Tournament wins, and a trip to the NCAA Final Four.

“It has been an incredible experience at Michigan … but it is time to move on,” Davis said. “I am thankful for the experiences.”

Davis is working with representatives at Michigan Sports Facility of Jackson in a three-day basketball camp for students in elementary and middle school. The camp began on Tuesday in Jackson.

The camp is working on basics that basketball players will need in the future.

“I played in this building a lot during summer leagues,” Davis said of his involvement in the camp. “They asked me to help and glad that it worked out.”

The 6-foot, 10-inch center at U of M averaged five points, nearly three rebounds, in just over 10 minutes of action per game for the Wolverines the last two seasons.

He is spending his summer working with his younger brother, Ayden – who is nearly as tall as Austin but only a sophomore at Onsted High School.

“We are working out and lifting a lot,” Davis said. “I am working with Coach Brad Maska (in summer basketball) and staying busy.

“I think Ayden can be very good. He has a good work ethic and I know I am not going to let him slack off.”

Davis spent his time wisely in the classroom at U of M. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in movement sciences at the kinesiology school at U of M. 

“Later down the road I may be working as a physical therapist or strength and conditioning coach,” Davis said.