Binghamton Recruit

[UA_MA_2000]

Bearcats add Zags transfer

Davis can join BU in middle of next season

By Brian Moritz

Press & Sun-Bulletin

 

VESTAL -- Theo Davis, a transfer from Gonzaga University, has joined the Binghamton University men's basketball program.

 

Davis, a 6-foot-9 forward who spent parts of two seasons at Gonzaga, is practicing with the Bearcats, but will not be eligible to play until the end of the first semester next season.

 

Davis, who did not play at Gonzaga last season after undergoing shoulder surgery, was suspended from the Zags program after being arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana last February. Davis was one of two Gonzaga players suspended due to drug arrests last season.

 

Davis, who's from Brampton, Ontario, completed 10 hours of community service and was reinstated to the Gonzaga program before this season. But according to a USA Today story, Davis left school to help care for his father, who suffered a stroke.

 

"His past is his past," BU coach Kevin Broadus said. "We're in the business of giving guys chances. He was not kicked out of school out there. We've talked to him about it, and he knows he's not here to make mistakes. Hopefully, he takes advantage of his opportunities."

 

Davis played in four games with the Zags this season. In 12 minutes of action, he scored four points and grabbed one rebound.

 

Davis, who has enrolled in classes at BU and began practicing this week, was not available for comment following practice Tuesday afternoon.

 

"He's paying his own way this semester, and if he pans out we'll put him on scholarship," said Broadus, who tried to recruit Davis to Georgetown. "Truthfully, I'd rather not speak on Theo right now. We're worried about the task at hand. We're trying to win against Vermont (tonight at the Events Center) and win the America East."

 

Davis attended Cardozo High School in Queens and played for two seasons at Lutheran Christian Academy in Philadelphia. The NCAA no longer accepts transcripts from Lutheran Christian because of questionable academic practices at that school. That ruling, though, came after Davis enrolled at Gonzaga, and he was academically eligible to play for the Bulldogs.

 

The Bearcats have two scholarships open for next season