Arkansas' John Calipari only wanted one thing out of transfer guard Johnell Davis
Johnell Davis calipari-s-arkansas-heading-2024-season-ft-dj-wagner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">joins John Calipari’s first Arkansas roster as one of the most experienced players. The Florida Atlantic Owls forward was part of the program’s Final Four run in the 2022-23 season. However, coach Cal does not want Davis to shoulder all the offensive burden.
Calipari said he simply wants Davis to shoot the long ball with confidence. After Arkansas' dominant 85-69 win over the Kansas Jayhawks, the top-ranked team in the AP preseason poll, the coach reiterated his instructions.
"You better shoot," Calipari said (per SI). "Every open shot you have, I don’t care if they go in. You have to shoot. This team wants you to shoot. Shoot the ball."
While Johnell Davis did not have much success, he did exactly what the coach had ordered. He played the third most minutes (25) and launched a game-high six 3-pointers. He only connected on one 3-pointer and finished with 22.2% efficiency from the field (2-for-9).
Despite the shooting struggles, Calipari was pleased with Davis’ efforts. Although there are still areas of his game that need improvement, Davis’ shooting from beyond the arc is well-documented. Last season at FAU, Davis shot 41.4% from 3, enjoying his best collegiate season, averaging nearly 19 points and 7 rebounds.
Johnell Davis reflects on growth since joining Arkansas
Johnell Davis believes that his summer in Arkansas has made him a better decision-maker and a better overall teammate.
"Everything is feeling [better]. The most (improvement) I've seen in my game coming from FAU to Arkansas is just decision-making and being a great teammate," Johnell Davis said at the SEC media day.
Davis' biggest skill on the floor is his decision-making on the defense, which he showcased in the game against Kansas by collecting two steals. It is also a huge factor in John Calipari's decision to make the guard a constant part of his rotation.
The Razorbacks will play their final exhibition game against TCU Horned Frogs on Nov. 1. They begin the 2024-25 season against Lipscomb Bisons on Nov. 6.