CUSA Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 19, 2023

Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; North Texas Mean Green guard James Reese (0) celebrates with guard Mardrez McBride (1) and guard Javion Hamlet (3) during overtime against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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CUSA Basketball Florida Atlantic Owls guard Johnell Davis Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Johnell Davis

A 6’4 wing originally from Gary, Indiana, Davis made his way to Florida Atlantic back in 2020. Initially, he wasn’t a major piece in Dusty May’s program but that role would certainly increase over time. This past season, he was a major cog in the Owls’ shocking trip to the Final Four, though he came off the bench for much of the year.

Davis was a bench piece early in his career and still only averaged 6.8 points a game as a sophomore when he started to get more minutes. Everything came to fruition during a historic junior season for Florida Atlantic. Davis had 36 points in a key win over UAB and helped guide the Owls to the CUSA Tournament title. His 29-point, 12-rebound effort against Fairleigh Dickinson keyed that win as Florida Atlantic marched to the Final Four, with Davis averaging nearly 16 points a game during that run.

Though he was a starter in the postseason, Davis was named CUSA Sixth Man of the Year while also receiving First Team All-CUSA honors. He finished among the top scorers in the conference this past season and played a major role in both Florida Atlantic’s offense and defense. Better yet, he’s back next season for an experienced and excited Owls squad that has transitioned into the AAC and looks for more postseason glory.