James Davis talks about dismissal from Kansas CC

Gopher commitment James Davis, a 7-foot-0 center who is considered by many to be the top JC big man in the country, was dismissed from Garden City (KS) CC Tuesday and has returned home to Minneapolis. Davis had recently committed to Minnesota after visiting the campus in September to become the third player to commit to the Gophers. GoldenSportsNet caught up with Davis to find out the about his dismissal from Garden City and his next stop before enrolling at Minnesota next fall.

James Davis had returned to Garden City (KS) CC after briefly transferring to Los Angeles Southwest (CA) CC for a week. He had originally decided to leave Garden City after former Minneapolis North teammate Kevin Henderson was dismissed from the squad during the Juco Challenge in Indianapolis, due to attitude problems. Davis had averaged 11.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots per game as a freshman for the Broncbusters.

Davis rejoined Garden City and had high hopes for the team. He had previously told me during his visit to Minnesota that he believed that the Broncbusters could play for the NJCAA Tournament championship, held in Hutchinson, Kansas.

“I expect to see us in Hutch (Hutchinson, Kansas- the home of the NJCAA Tournament), definitely. Right now, we are in the gym every day, working hard. The focus of the team has changed from last year. Last year, we had a lot of talent. Talent-wise, we were one of the best teams in the country. We just could not finish it. We’ve got a couple of young guys coming in, but they understand that we have James Davis, Torre Johnson (a 6-foot-6 forward who averaged 19.2 points per game last season) and B.J. Walker (a forward who played at Buffalo as a freshman). They understand that the offense has to go through the big guys, if you want to go to Hutch and win. The way we play, you should definitely expect to see us in Hutch this year."

Unfortunately, Davis will not be playing this season after an altercation with Walker. According to Davis, he swiped at the ball at he defended Walker, hitting him in the eye. Walker upset with the foul took a swing at Davis. Teammates broke up the altercation.

"I did not take a swing at him, but (head) coach (Ryan) Swanson thought that I had tried to punch him when I was trying to swipe at the ball."

There had been reports that Davis quit the team. However, he says that was not the case.

"They wanted me to go. The AD (Dennis Perryman) told me that I had to go. I did not feel safe there (after the incident). You can't be comfortable where you are not wanted."

Davis said that he plans to just take class and get his AA degree. This would allow him to have three years of Division I eligibility. However, he will likely have to make up work on his academics to be eligible after leaving Garden City midway through the first semester. Davis said that he plans to visit schools Friday with his family.

"My parents are supposed to help me figure that out."

There is speculation that he could enroll at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Their head coach Jay Pivec has coached talented big men Jerry Holman, who played at Minnesota and Mike Kinsella, who will be at Marquette this season. Davis could work out with the team and retain his eligibility.

"I plan to workout extremly hard."

GoldenSports.Net will continue to monitor Davis' situation and provide the latest on the talented big man.