Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Johnell Davis
Position: Guard
College: Arkansas
Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 lbs
Birthdate: May 23, 2001
Previous College: Florida Atlantic
High School: 21st Century Charter (IN)
Player Overview
Johnell Davis is a score-first guard with a three-level scoring arsenal and a high motor on both ends of the floor. His off-ball movement, physicality, and shooting range make him a threat in catch-and-shoot situations and coming off screens. Davis is crafty around the rim, using his footwork and touch to score over bigger defenders, and he has a knack for taking advantage of mismatches in the post.
Defensively, Davis brings aggression and physicality, often taking on challenging assignments and disrupting passing lanes. While not an elite athlete, he compensates with anticipation, hustle, and strength. However, his shot selection and tendency to force the issue offensively can lead to inefficiency, and his playmaking and passing feel remain areas for improvement.
To thrive in the NBA, Davis must improve his decision-making, become a more consistent shooter, and develop his secondary playmaking ability. If he can make these strides, he projects as a spark-plug offensive option and versatile two-way contributor at the next level.
"While Davis' momentum has cooled this season in a lesser role at Arkansas than his time at Florida Atlantic, he still possesses some translatable skills. He can be a dynamic scorer, but proving he can be efficient in a complementary role at the next level will be key." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Three-Level Scorer: Can score from midrange, deep, and at the rim with craftiness.
Off-Ball Movement: Excellent at relocating and running off screens for open looks.
Physicality & Toughness: Uses his body to overpower smaller defenders.
High Two-Way Motor: Plays with consistent energy and aggression on both ends.
Aggressive Defender: Disrupts passing lanes and applies pressure on ball handlers.
Concerns
Shot Selection: Tends to force difficult shots, leading to inefficiency.
Playmaking Limitations: Lacks advanced vision and passing feel as a lead guard.
Limited Athleticism: Not an explosive finisher or high-level athlete.
Defensive Discipline: Can get out of position when overly aggressive.
Questions
Can he become a consistent outside shooter to solidify an off-ball role?
Does he have enough of a two-way impact to carve out a spot in an NBA rotation?
Can he improve his passing feel to add more versatility to his offensive game?
Bottom Line
Johnell Davis is a scoring-minded guard who brings toughness, off-ball movement, and defensive energy to the floor. His ability to score at all three levels and create offense through physicality gives him a path to an NBA role. However, to stick at the next level, Davis must become a more consistent shooter, refine his shot selection, and improve his secondary playmaking ability. If he can clean up his all-around game, he has the tools to develop into a valuable spark-plug scoring option with two-way potential.