NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Pros and cons of JD Davison final 6 teams
Alabama Crimson Tide
Pros
In his first full season with the Crimson Tide, head coach Nate Oats has turned the team into an offensive juggernaut, ranked 3rd nationally with 82 ppg. Based on all the key players returning outside of Kira Lewis Jr., the team could have a big 2020-21 campaign and look even more appealing for a high-scoring guard such as Davison to join. If Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly is gone after one year, the starting spot would be wide open.
Cons
If Quinerly does have a big year but decides to return for another season anyway, he and Davison would have to share the ball in the backcourt together. The team may also struggle in 2021-22 if Jaden Shackelford leaves as well, which would make at least four starters moving on. The SEC is going to be as tough as ever in future years beyond Kentucky, so picking a mid-tier program such as Alabama would put Davison in a tough situation in terms of winning at a high-level.
Auburn Tigers
Pros
Including his time at Tennessee, head coach Bruce Pearl has shown to be an offensive innovator in the SEC. He led the Tigers to their first-ever Final Four appearance, with guards Bryce Brown and Jared Harper as the star players. The team has incoming five-star point guard Sharife Cooper for the upcoming season, who is likely “one and done” in his own right.
Davison would be penciled in as his replacement if he picks them and would have a more experienced supporting cast with the majority of the roster all underclassmen.
Cons
Auburn is projected to be in the mid-tier of the SEC next season, with a ton of questions outside of Cooper on the roster. If they don’t take a leap in development in their own right, Davison would be joining a roster not ready to make the NCAA Tournament. Without many available scholarships (no seniors on the roster), the Tigers may not be able to find other class of 2021 stars to join Davison. He could shine on his own but might not win as much as he would like.