Libertyville’s Terrence Davis Jr. has a lot going for him as a freshman starting on a team with lofty aspirations.
The 6-foot-2 guard’s ability is clearly beyond his years. Perhaps most important, however, Davis remains grounded.
“I knew I wasn’t going to play varsity basketball and just run through everybody, and there are plenty of moments that I’m reminded of that,” he said. “I’m taking these moments in, and I get to take all of this experience knowing that I’m growing as a player.”
Davis is still growing, but he’s more than holding his own as a solid perimeter complement to senior guard Liam Hanson, and he rarely comes off the floor.
Davis has shown the ability to score. He’s averaging 9.0 points for the Wildcats (9-4, 1-2) following a North Suburban Conference loss to Waukegan on Tuesday, along with 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals. He has also had stat-stuffing games, recording 12 points, seven rebounds and six steals in Libertyville’s win against Prospect in the Wheeling Hardwood Classic on Dec. 28.
Davis didn’t wait long to make his presence felt. His career high to date of 16 points came in the Wildcats’ season-opening win against Prospect in the St. Viator Thanksgiving Classic on Nov. 25.
“I was really anxious for that first game, and it was nerve-wracking,” he said. “I wanted the game to be there much quicker (in the day). But once the game started, I got into a flow, and all the nerves went away.”
That kind of debut wasn’t entirely surprising for the Wildcats. Davis’ arrival was eagerly anticipated and hasn’t disappointed.
“The more he plays, the more confident he’s starting to get,” Libertyville coach Brian Zyrkowski said. “He’s constantly working to get better, and he knows his role will change as this year goes on and throughout his career. Sometimes I have to remind myself that he’s a freshman.”
Being a freshman has posed some challenges for Davis, who quickly recognized the physicality of varsity basketball.
“It’s very different from middle school and even from AAU,” he said. “I notice it down in the post when I try to front someone and they maneuver you around. Also, when you’re rebounding, you have to put a body on a man because they can move you out of the way easier.”
Davis identifies other points of emphasis during deep-dive film review after each game. That detailed process starts with a group session on the couch with his mother, father and 22-year old brother, Jaulen, and continues on his own later.
“I look for things like whether I could have made an extra pass,” Davis said. “Or in help defense, you can’t help too hard or you’ll get shot out of it. Also, not gambling for a steal because if you miss, you leave a 5-on-4.
“I want to see me and the team fix mistakes we make in games we lose — and also in wins.”
Davis mentioned defense. That’s where he feels most confident at this stage in his development.
“My instincts play a big part in my defensive ability, and I’ve always been pretty good at pestering guys on offense,” he said. “I feel my timing is good going for steals and blocks.”
Davis’ timing is actually pretty good on both ends of the court. Hanson has come to appreciate Davis’ many strengths since first seeing him play with Libertyville over the summer.
“His athleticism jumps off the charts and how easily he gets to the rim and how fluidly he gets going downhill,” Hanson said. “But he’s a super humble kid who understands the game really well. He doesn’t show a lot of emotion, and he works for everything.”
Although Davis scored 16 points in the opener, he sensed that he was truly part of the team two games later in the Wildcats’ win against St. Viator on Nov. 29.
“That’s when I first remember feeling like I belonged,” he said. “I felt like my teammates believed in me and knew they could lean on me — that they trusted me to drive, shoot and handle the ball.”
Davis has been thinking about doing all of those things for Libertyville for a long time, and he doesn’t take the opportunity lightly.
“It’s definitely a privilege to be playing varsity basketball at my age,” he said. “I’ve been watching varsity basketball at Libertyville since I was little, and I would talk to my family about being able to do it someday.
“Now that I’m here, I think I’ve played well in most of the games, but I feel like I can get better.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
