By Joseph Staszewski
Archbishop Molloy guard C.J. Davis wanted to land at a college that challenged him both on and off the court. Columbia provided that in every way.
The Lions are in need of a guard with the senior’s ability to elevate the play of his teammates and score with the game in the line. Davis will get a chance to do just that and receive an Ivy League education after committing to play men’s basketball for Columbia and head Coach Kyle Smith. He chose the Lions over Boston University and Lehigh.
“That was a main focus just to look for a balance,” said Davis, a high-90s student who wants to study engineering. “I didn’t want to do somewhere that wasn’t academically challenging. It had to be the best of both worlds for me.”
He stressed the importance of Columbia’s loyalty throughout the recruiting process. The Lions recruited him since he was an underclassman and never wavered in its interest through good games, bad games and injuries. Davis said they told him the team has been lacking a point guard with his skill set.
“They told me they needed a person who could get their players better and get them the ball and in big games can lead the team to a win,” he said.
Molloy Coach Mike McCleary believes that is exactly who Davis is and hopes a few of those big shots happen this season. He averaged 17.3 points per game and dropped in 23 points in a quarterfinal loss to Cardinal Hayes as a junior. Davis has 18 in New York City’s loss to Long Island at the Metro Classic Oct. 27.
“He’s a great facilitator as far as getting people the ball in a place where they can be successful on the court,” McCleary said. “I think that he is a big shot maker.”
Davis, an All-Queens first team selection by TimesLedger Newspapers, will begin his senior season adjusting to a big loss with the absence of legendary Coach Jack Curran, who passed away in March. Davis said it was emotional watching a video tribute to Curran at the Metro Classic. He knows Curran would be proud of his choice, but he will miss being around his former coach.
“It’s going to feel weird,” Davis said. “He’s been a big mentor for me at Molloy. It’s going to be a lot different without him.”
He is hoping to make things different at Columbia, an improving program, when he gets there. Davis already feels at home.
“They are always welcoming,” Davis said. “Everything was perfect. It’s hard to explain. It’s just instinct.”
