Photo credit: Coach Danny Davis
Former Kingwood Christian School Head Basketball Coach Danny Davis is now the head coach of Alabama Prep Sports Academy men’s basketball. 2016 is the inaugural season for the APSA basketball program.
As the head coach of the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Kingwood, Davis led the Lions to two final fours, four elite eights and four area championships. Davis also served as an assistant girls’ basketball coach at Huffman high school, and as the head coach at Smith Middle School where he won a city championship.
However, it’s likely that his experience at the semi-professional level – where he’s currently the assistant coach of the Georgia Stampede women’s team out of Atlanta – and the development of the Southern Basketball Academy are what caught the eye of APSA.
His Southern Basketball Academy assists youth basketball players through training clinics, competitive summer travel and overall development of the game. Through the SBA, Davis says he’s assisted almost 28 student-athletes with obtaining basketball scholarships to play at the collegiate level… a reward he deems as his most notable accomplishment.
Sharing the same goal as the APSA, which is to bridge the gap between academics and athletics, Davis asserts the post-graduate basketball program at the academy is setup to promote improvement and achievement academically, athletically and socially.
“If you’ve graduated high school and your goal is to play college basketball and you aren’t able to because of academics or lack of recruiting, APSA may be the opportunity you’re looking for; if you’ve graduated high school and have received offers to play in college but feel you could’ve earned offers from bigger schools, APSA may be a good fit for you; if you were heavily recruited in high school and have thought about playing professionally after college, APSA could also be a legitimate option for you; transfer students looking to earn additional college credits are also eligible for APSA.”
The Bearcats previously held a tryout with about 15 to 20 players in attendance. However, Davis says he’s still looking to fill the roster.
“We will have 13 roster spots and we will play a competitive 25-to-30 game schedule against prep schools, junior colleges, NAIA schools, and Division II and Division I junior varsity programs. The schedule is set to be released July 1, 2016. The basketball program offers you the opportunity to improve your skills, so the effort you give will be expected not demanded. Most days there will be three basketball sessions: practice, skill development, and strength and conditioning along with speed and agility. Nutrition will also be a big part of your development. As you learn to eat healthy while training, your body will be able to achieve maximum performance.”
Related article: http://wp.me/p4cFCW-id
Student-athletes can attend APSA for a maximum of two years and they can apply for financial aid, grants and loans to help finance their tuition (courses, meal plan and room and board).
Davis suggests that taking a post-graduate year to prepare for college is a wise decision and could be the difference in making sure student-athletes are prepared academically to be successful in the classroom.
“Here [at APSA] you will learn the study, comprehension, time management, research and writing skills necessary to achieve success in college. Academically, student-athletes will enroll in NCAA approved courses and will be monitored closely. We take academics seriously and encourage student-athletes to give their best effort in the classroom.”
Davis adds that the Bearcats are building a brand and are looking for committed student-athletes who understand attending the academy is an investment and their time there should not be wasted but seized.
“Your living situation at APSA is second to none and will allow you to focus on what you come here for. With the right attitude and effort, this opportunity can provide you with the tools necessary to be successful in life.”
Davis concludes that the academy is only available to male football and basketball players as of right now, but it plans to have a post-graduate women’s basketball program for the 2017 season. For more information about eligibility and admission into the Alabama Prep Sports Academy, visit http://www.apsabearcats.org/
Brittany Young 