FOLIOWords by Carson Rich
The 2023 NBA season is coming to a close, and with the draft date quickly approaching on June 22, many collegiate-level players are looking to make their mark on the professional level. UF’s Alex Fudge and FAU’s Johnell Davis are two stars that recently declared themselves eligible for this next step in their career.
Alex Fudge is a forward from the University of Florida, who has made a strong impression during his time in the NCAA. After transferring from LSU to Florida, Fudge goes into June as a serious contender for a pick in this year’s draft. As a 6’9” rim protector, he uses his size and reach to intimidate anyone who dares going into the paint. He had multiple double-doubles to add to his highlight reel, including a viral posterizer (aka dunk) during an in-state rivalry matchup that electrified the crowd.
Fudge’s sophomore year pointed out his versatility with the way he is able to go coast to coast, doing whatever it takes to work his team toward a win. Although neither team he was on had much success in the two seasons he played, he was still able to prove that he can perform at the highest level.
“It’s going to be those kids out there that just want your spot … but if you stay true to your game and you know what you can do and what you’re capable of, I mean, it shouldn’t be anything that could knock you off your path,” Fudge said in an interview with JT Micdup about the pressure of being a ranked player in college.
Johnell Davis is a guard from FAU that also declared in early April, and he has shown that he certainly has what it takes. Davis’ play style is fast-paced, and he can seamlessly get a bucket whenever he chooses. The way he attacks the rim with his wide wingspan and his ability to pull up from deep proves that he can be a threat from anywhere on the court.
Like Fudge, Davis also had a viral moment during his college career when he accidentally cursed on live television following his second round performance and immediately apologized for it. This was taken very lightly as he noticeably did not mean to, but the moment still managed to spread across social media soon after.
Throughout his career at FAU, he built up quite the resume that could land him a position in the NBA. In March 2023, the Owls were thriving in the NCAA tournament, eventually making it to the FInal Four, and Davis played a massive role in taking them there. He shined in the round of 32 putting up a historic triple-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds, which earned them a spot in the Sweet 16.
Over the years, Florida has been growing in popularity in the basketball world, and these two young men are next in line to represent at the highest level. Look out on June 22, when they will be waiting for their moment in history to walk across the stage at the NBA Draft.
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