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Before Anthony Davis became one of the greatest big men in his era in the NBA, he was tearing it up as a player for Kentucky under legendary head coach John Calipari. His lone season in 2012 is widely regarded as one of the best one-and-done seasons in college history, as he led the Wildcats to the national championship.
But before that, there was a pivotal decision during his recruitment that tested his loyalty and reshaped both his future and college basketball. He was originally committed to play for Ohio State due to his admiration for LeBron James. Despite being from Chicago, where Michael Jordan ruled, the King deeply inspired him, and that admiration led him down a path he felt he was destined to walk.
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“I verbally committed to Ohio State, and that was my choice, like, I wanted to be there. I was a huge LeBron James fan growing up. I had the shoes, 23, like all that stuff,” he said.
“Ohio State was like the place. I went on a visit, and I was like this is heaven,” Davis added.
A visit that changed everything
At the time, the Buckeyes, led by head coach Thad Matta, were a powerhouse program with a proven track record. It was a dream school for AD, however, as his recruitment unfolded, he would be influenced by his father, who urged him to consider the emerging Wildcats under Calipari.
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Kentucky was already emerging as one of the best programs in college basketball, and Calipari was regarded as the architect who produced a wave of NBA talent that included John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and many others.
But despite Kentucky and Calipari’s emergence in college basketball, AD was still not sold. Still, he wanted to give the Wildcats a try for his father. And on visiting day, his mind was still enamored with Ohio State. However, everything started to shift the moment he stepped into the famous Rupp Arena.
“We go to a game, and I walk into the arena, and I’m like oh my gosh. Rupp Arena, one of the best arenas to ever play in,” shared AD. “I was…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hardest-thing-ve-ever-done-171229942.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-30 17:12:00
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