NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
In 2024, Robert Davis Jr. finished 8th in the nation with 116 three-point field goals made. He would also finish 1st in the nation with 348 three-point field goal attempts. It’s safe to say that the Old Dominion junior is a threat from beyond the arc. What will his second season in Norfolk, Virginia hold? Can Davis Jr. continue his sharpshooting and help the Monarchs make a run to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2018-19 season?
Robert Davis Jr. began his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts, where playing time was limited. However, following his freshman year, Davis Jr. chose to take his talents to ODU, where he would go on to start 33 games for the Monarchs, averaging 35.6 Minutes per game, 15.6 points, and 10.2 three-point field goal attempts per game. Davis Jr. was on a mission.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Monarchs are looking at Davis for more production and leadership. Last season, he not only led the Monoachars in Minutes Per Game but the Sun Belt Conference as well. For his efforts, the coaches in the Sun Belt named Robert Davis Jr. to their Preseason All-Conference First Team and as the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Player of the Year.
The hard work that Davis put in last season is paying dividends. However, with these accolades also comes pressure, expectations, and eyes. But looking at the player that Davis Jr. is and how he was raised, he’s ready for the challenge.
The Old Dominion Monarchs were selected to finish 5th in the Sun Belt Conference after going 8-10 and finishing 6th last season. A large part of that is the expectations placed on the shoulders of their leading scorer.
Things will look a bit different for the Monarchs this season following the transfer of Forward Sean Durugordon, who led the team in scoring last season with 15.7 Points per game, to go with 9.1 Rebounds and led the Sun Belt Conference in points scored, and 2nd in total rebounds.
With the Durugordon taking almost 16 points per game with him, Davis Jr. will be counted on more this season to be the offensive catalyst for the team. His ability to shoot forces defenders away from the post, and that allows his bigs to do work in the paint.
For those wondering if the expectations of the NCAA Tournament are too high for this team, look back at last season. The Monarchs made a great run in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, where they ripped off three straight wins before falling to the eventual champs, Troy, in the Quarterfinals. During that run, Davis Jr. hit 14 3’s but dealt with foul trouble against Troy, which limited his action.
The upcoming 2025 is an opportunity for the Old Dominion Monarchs to quiet the doubters. According to the coaches in the conference, they have the best player. All Robert Davis Jr. needs to do is make them look like prophets.
