Koron Davis didn’t take his decision to move to the UL Ragin’ Cajuns lightly.
When he left Los Angeles Southwest Community College for Louisville a year ago, it was a spur of the moment choice that he quickly regretted.
“I felt like don’t rush the process as fast as I did out of junior college,” the 6-foot-6 Davis said of his transfer to UL. “I chose one of my first alternatives in junior college because it was close to home. Now, I’ve gone over the majority of my alternatives and determined which one was best for me.”
The Gary, Indiana native did not visit Louisville before signing and did not get along with the team’s coach, Kenny Payne, who was sacked after the season.
Davis was recruited to the Cardinals after averaging 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in his sophomore season at Los Angeles Southwest. He made 33% of his three-pointers and shot 81% from the free throw line.
Davis averaged 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds during his freshman year at Paris Community College in Texas.
However, after participating in a scrimmage and exhibition game at Louisville, his problems with Payne began, and he never played a regular-season game for the school.
Just days before the start of the 2023-24 season, Louisville sports information director Zach Greenwell wrote a statement to the Louisville Report disputing rumors of an argument between Davis and Payne.
Six weeks later, Louisville issued a statement claiming Davis had departed the club, which Davis denied on social media, stating, “I never asked to transfer.” I adore being a cardinal. The fact that an official statement was issued with erroneous information is discouraging and unfortunate.”
Davis understood he was transferring and tried to be positive.
“I blocked out all the noise,” Davis said after Monday’s first practice in Lafayette. “My teammates made it easier for me to cope. They understood the situation and encouraged me to keep pushing until I got another opportunity.”
During his visit, Davis noticed a different vibe on the Lafayette campus.
“When I visited here, it felt like a place where I could make an immediate impact,” Davis said. “Unlike where I came from, it didn’t feel like a rebuilding situation. Most of the players were returning, and they seemed to really enjoy it here.”
Talking to his new teammates, Davis received a clear message.
“They told me that nothing is handed out here,” Davis said. “Everyone has to earn their spot, and that’s what I liked about it. If things are just given, no one has to work for them.”
Throughout his career, Davis has played every position from point guard to post player, and he isn’t worried about the year off from competition affecting his game.
“At junior college, I got more physical and improved my rebounding because that’s what they emphasized. I also got better at defense,” Davis said. “Last year, I was with the program early in the season. It was like a learning year for me, giving me a sense of what to expect.
“I stayed in the gym to be ready for my next opportunity. I talked to my teammates, learned from their experiences, and kept working. I knew eventually I’d get a chance to prove myself elsewhere.”
UL coach Bob Marlin described Davis as a player who “can score at all three levels and uses his athleticism to excel in transition.”
While Davis believes he can contribute to UL on the court in many ways, being a leader is his main goal.
“I want to focus on being a leader,” Davis said. “I can score and do all that, but at the next level, not many people want to lead the team.”
Davis is among several new additions to UL, including junior college guard Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, Oregon State transfer Christian Wright, Eastern Illinois transfer Kyndall Davis, Jackson State transfer Zeke Cook, and high school senior Jeremiah Evans from Southwood High.
Davis is highly motivated for the upcoming season.
“I was sick, man,” Davis described his experience last season. “I’ve played basketball my entire life. Without a year of basketball experience, it made me sick. All it did was boost my energy and motivation to play this year.”
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