Point guard Darrell Davis, center Steve McElvene sign with Dayton
Dayton sports information department press release:
University of Dayton men's basketball coach Archie Miller has announced the signing of two top high school players to letters of intent on Wednesday. They are 6-foot-4 guard Darrell Davis from Detroit Douglass High School, and 6-foot-11 center Steve McElvene from New Haven High School in New Haven, Ind.
DARRELL DAVIS
6-Foot-4 Guard, Detroit Douglass High School
Darrell Davis became the first recruit in the class of 2014 for UD head coach Archie Miller when committed in September shortly after making his official visit to the University of Dayton campus. The 6-foot-4 point guard is a four-star player who is ranked as high as 102nd in the country by Rivals.
Even though he averaged 20.2 points and 5.5 assists for Frederick Douglass High School in Detroit last year, ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman considered him one of the most underrated players in the country based on his play this summer. As a junior, Davis was named All-Michigan in Class B by the Associated Press as he led Douglass High to the Regional Finals.
He selected Dayton after receiving offers from teams in the Big Ten, Big East, ACC and Big 12. A strong student, he is considering majoring in Engineering.
Dayton Coach Archie Miller on Darrell Davis
"Darrell was one of the most intriguing guards we watched during the recruiting process. He is a great competitor, and at the same very, very unselfish. His competiveness really stood out early. He can attack you in so many ways. His size at almost 6-5 gives him such an advantage scoring the ball and his range and release will make him a real weapon early on in his career. The thing I love about his game is that he is so unselfish. He plays the game with the mind of a point guard, has great vision and is willing to make the pass every time. Most importantly though, he really fits with what the University and our program represent. He's a great kid and tremendous worker both on the court and in the classroom."
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STEVE McELVENE
6-Foot-11 Center, New Haven (Ind.) High School
Originally from Indiana, McElvene had lived in Alabama for several years before moving back to the Hoosier State and enrolling in New Haven High School, not far from Ft. Wayne. He averaged 10.0 points and 8.0 rebounds while adjusting to a new program, but erupted in the post-season and helped lead New Haven to its first sectional championship since 1996.
After winning the sectional, McElvene had 39 points, 33 rebounds and 10 blocked shots in two regional games. Against Ft. Wayne Northrup, he had 24 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocks, and then in the regional finals vs. eventual state champion Carmel, he had 15 points, 17 rebounds and two more blocks.
McElvene's stock rose this summer while he played on a talented Spiece Indy Heat team that featured two top 25 prospects.
He chose Dayton over offers from teams in the ACC and Big 12.
Dayton Coach Archie Miller on Steve McElvene
"Steve can be special! He has all the tools to be a guy that can have a huge impact on the floor. A true center at almost seven feet and 280 pounds, he's a natural rebounder and rim protector. He is the kind of player that we haven't really had here for a long, long time. He's really gifted with great hands and touch. Like all big guys coming to college, he will deal with a different pace and physicality, but when that becomes normal to him, the sky is the limit. The other thing about Steve is he is really an intelligent kid with a bright mind, and great personality. We are looking forward to adding him to the Flyer Family."
Miller's enthusiasm for his two latest recruits is understandable.
"These two guys had a lot of options and can play anywhere in the country. It speaks volumes about what a great place the University of Dayton is. The commitment level to our program is second-to-none, and the support and campus community really bring a unique connection with the big-time basketball stage these kids wanted."
