LA CROSSE, Wis. — Johnny Davis is taking his next step toward an NBA return overseas.
The La Crosse native and former Wisconsin standout plans to leave Aug. 5 to play professionally in Turkey, a move he and his representatives believe can help him earn another opportunity with an NBA team.
Davis, 24, was selected 10th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2022 NBA Draft after two standout seasons with the Badgers. He remains Greg Gard’s only first-round NBA draft pick and is the only Wisconsin player besides Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker to be selected in the first round since 2007.
After three seasons in the NBA, Davis spent last year in the G League. But while hosting his annual youth basketball camp in La Crosse, he said his ultimate goal has not changed.
“My agents thought this would be the best route to get back to the NBA, because obviously that’s the end goal,” Davis said. “I leave to go there August 5, and I just got to play good. That’s the bottom line.”
Davis said he plans to use the upcoming months in Turkey to show NBA teams he is ready for another shot.
“My mindset is just go over there and play the way I need to for a couple of months and come back and try to get on a standard contract with an NBA team,” Davis said. “I just want to be back in the U.S. with my family.”
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