Kennard Davis Jr., a standout player from Southern Illinois, has officially committed to BYU Basketball, marking a significant addition to the Cougars’ roster for the upcoming season [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/southern-illinois-transfer-kennard-davis-jr-commits-to-byu-basketball?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYXVjZTlOTW9iVTduQ0ZxM1VrbjNaIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9zb3V0aGVybi1pbGxpbm9pcy10cmFuc2Zlci1rZW5uYXJkLWRhdmlzLWpyLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tYnl1LWJhc2tldGJhbGwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The talented 6-foot-6 sophomore, known for his versatility and scoring ability, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.
### A Rising Star
Davis Jr. had a breakout season at Southern Illinois, averaging **16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game** [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/southern-illinois-transfer-kennard-davis-jr-commits-to-byu-basketball?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYXVjZTlOTW9iVTduQ0ZxM1VrbjNaIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9zb3V0aGVybi1pbGxpbm9pcy10cmFuc2Zlci1rZW5uYXJkLWRhdmlzLWpyLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tYnl1LWJhc2tldGJhbGwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to contribute on both ends of the court made him a coveted prospect in the transfer portal, with several Power Five schools vying for his commitment. Ultimately, BYU secured his talents, further strengthening their roster under head coach Kevin Young [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/southern-illinois-transfer-kennard-davis-jr-commits-to-byu-basketball?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYXVjZTlOTW9iVTduQ0ZxM1VrbjNaIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9zb3V0aGVybi1pbGxpbm9pcy10cmFuc2Zlci1rZW5uYXJkLWRhdmlzLWpyLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tYnl1LWJhc2tldGJhbGwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Impact on BYU Basketball
With Davis Jr. joining the Cougars, BYU gains a player who can immediately make an impact. His **37.6% three-point shooting** [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/southern-illinois-transfer-kennard-davis-jr-commits-to-byu-basketball?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYXVjZTlOTW9iVTduQ0ZxM1VrbjNaIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9zb3V0aGVybi1pbGxpbm9pcy10cmFuc2Zlci1rZW5uYXJkLWRhdmlzLWpyLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tYnl1LWJhc2tldGJhbGwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) and aggressive playstyle will complement the team’s existing lineup, providing additional scoring options and defensive versatility. Analysts already view BYU as a **preseason top-10 team**, and Davis Jr.’s arrival only solidifies their standing [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/southern-illinois-transfer-kennard-davis-jr-commits-to-byu-basketball?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYXVjZTlOTW9iVTduQ0ZxM1VrbjNaIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9zb3V0aGVybi1pbGxpbm9pcy10cmFuc2Zlci1rZW5uYXJkLWRhdmlzLWpyLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tYnl1LWJhc2tldGJhbGwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Bright Future
Davis Jr. has **two years of eligibility remaining** [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/southern-illinois-transfer-kennard-davis-jr-commits-to-byu-basketball?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYXVjZTlOTW9iVTduQ0ZxM1VrbjNaIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9zb3V0aGVybi1pbGxpbm9pcy10cmFuc2Zlci1rZW5uYXJkLWRhdmlzLWpyLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tYnl1LWJhc2tldGJhbGwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1), giving him ample time to develop further and contribute to BYU’s success. His ability to attack the rim efficiently—**shooting 63% at the rim last season**
