Milwaukee Panthers guard Learic Davis is set to be a standout player this season. The 6-foot-7 redshirt sophomore guard played in 33 games last season as a first-year Panther, showcasing his size, high motor and defensive versatility.
In the offseason, Davis made it a priority to improve his jump shot. Davis averaged 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game while shooting 40.8% from the field and 77.8% from the free-throw line last season. However, he only shot 28% on his 3-point attempts last season.
Determined to become a more complete player and earn additional playing time, Davis recognized the need to elevate his offensive game to reach the next level.
“Recently, I’ve been working on my jump shot a lot,” Davis said. “With the team, everyone can shoot. But if I can shoot the ball too, it would make it even better for us. Because now you have to step out and guard me and also guard the drive as well. So, it really helps our team that I will be able to shoot the ball and space the floor.”
Davis showed a much-improved jumper in the Panthers’ scrimmage on Oct. 14. He drained five 3-pointers in the event, displaying a smooth stroke and plenty of confidence.
The Panthers started the season with a dominating victory over Division III Lakeland (Wis.) University, 118-62, on Monday. In the victory, Davis played 14 minutes off the bench, making 4-of-7 shot attempts, including one 3-pointer, to finish with nine points.
Davis hopes to continue to experience growth on the offensive end. He takes pride in his game and playing for Milwaukee. The Milwaukee native was a star at Milwaukee Bradley Tech. He was a Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Division 1 All-State honoree as a senior in 2022.
Davis spent his first collegiate season at Tennessee Tech. He is now in his second season with the Panthers and hopes to play a vital role in leading the program to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.
The Panthers are the favorites to win the Horizon League this season after losing in the conference tournament championship game in 2023-24.
“It’s a brotherhood,” Davis said. “We seem to bond heavily off the court without the coaching staff. For example, without it being mandatory, we would have team dinners and go out in public and do stuff together naturally. And those traits would lead to our chemistry on the court. If we continue to bond and click like this the whole year, we will be really tough to beat.”
The Panthers (1-0) embark on their first road trip of the year. They face a talented Northern Iowa squad at 8 p.m. ET Thursday in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on ESPN+.
