Last season, senior Kent State forward VonCameron Davis’ season ended in heartbreak.
In the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game against archrival Akron, Davis put it all on the floor. He went for 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block on 8-of-16 shooting from the floor.
Despite the heroic effort from Davis, though, the Golden Flashes dropped their ticket to the NCAA tournament in a 62-61 loss to Akron when the Zips made two free throws with four seconds left in the game.
“I think there were a lot of disappointed people on the roster,” Flashes coach Rob Senderoff said. “We came so close, and it is really difficult to get to that point. I think our team is motivated.”
After the season ended at the hands of Akron, Davis had a big decision to think about. Six days after the loss, Davis entered the transfer portal on March 22.
“I just wanted to see what else was out there and see my value in college basketball,” Davis said. “I wanted to come back to a team where I would be a big piece and win, and not just be a support piece.”
Davis looked over his options, considered and then rejoined Kent State “a week later.” He credited part of his reasoning to come back to visits from Kent State’s assistant coaches. Senderoff gave him space during his time in the portal.
“It was a very big decision to come back,” Davis said. “I ultimately decided to come back due to the family atmosphere and the love for Kent State and coach Sendy – he’s been a good coach. He gave me time to myself. Our assistants actually came to my house.”
The Golden Flashes welcomed Davis back to the team. He was honorable mention All-MAC last season and a member of the All-MAC Tournament Team.
Davis was one of KSU’s most productive players last season, averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game on 48.5% shooting from the floor. He was top three on the team in minutes played, field goals made, field goal percentage, total points, points per game, total rebounds, average rebounds per game, assists and steals.
In many of the categories, Davis was in a fight for the lead with Giovanni Santiago, Chris Payton Jr. and Reggie Bass, who all have moved on from the team, either by graduation or transfer portal.
Davis also battled for top production spots with senior guard Jalen Sullinger, who is still with the team. He entered the transfer portal after last season and returned, but his redshirt status is still in question.
As the team progresses without some key players from last season, Davis is counted on to be a leader on a team picked to finish third in the MAC this season. He is a preseason first-team All-MAC pick.
Senderoff’s team focus is being faster in transition, more physical and better defensively this season, which are skills Davis has excelled at in previous seasons.
“As a player, I can play any type of basketball,” Davis said. “I was definitely working on that this offseason.”
With Davis’ exceptional ability and experience, he emerged as a leader in practices before the season started up.
“How I lead is definitely by example, and I talk to guys,” he said. “I tell guys what to do and try to help guys as much as possible. But the way I lead is by example, so maybe going first in a drill, showing another player what to do, making a big play happen and being excited for my teammates and myself.”
Davis and the Golden Flashes opened the season Monday with a 70-66 road win over the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Davis led the way with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal. He made 13 free throws.
The Flashes’ next game will be at home against Miami-Hamilton on Thursday at the M.A.C. Center, with tip off at 7 p.m.
This season, with a new roster and new role, Davis’ personal goal is to do “what the team needs [him] to do,” but his team goal is a little loftier.
“For the team? Definitely a MAC championship,” he said. “I think we are an old and experienced team. I think we can make a run to the [NCAA] Sweet 16.”
John Hilber is an Akron Beacon Journal Correspondent. You can contact him at jhilber@kent.edu.
