Being the big man on your high school campus doesn’t guarantee stardom at the next level. It’s a lesson strong basketball egos have trouble dealing with, but Valparaiso University’s Nick Davidson has adjusted.
The 6-foot-4 guard has started only once in two years. His minutes have not increased significantly this season, but he shows no signs of a bruised ego.
“Being a competitive person, of course I’d like to play (more),” he said. “It affects me, but I’m going to a great university, getting a great education. Not too many kids get to go to an NCAA tournament. I’m very privileged and very blessed.”
Davidson is only two years removed from Andrean High School, where he made all-conference four straight years and was named the Northwest Indiana player of the year. He’s gone from superstar to role player, who only appeared in six of VU’s 16 Horizon League games on its way to an NCAA bid.
“My mentality has always been to help our team accomplish its goals,” he said on how he responds to limited playing time. “Whether it’s first grade, eighth grade, freshman in high school or my sophomore year in college. Every year it’s been a different role.”
That means being a good practice player, encouraging your teammates and not hanging his head, qualities which Crusaders coach Bryce Drew appreciates..
“Nick’s done everything we asked,” he said. “He’s been great.”
Davidson has appeared on large stages, leading Andrean to multiple sectional titles and the 2013 regional title. He played before sellout crowds all over Northwest Indiana.
Asked to compare the excitement level in high school with the Horizon League Tournament experience, he didn’t hesitate.
“This is a totally different atmosphere as far as taking that next step,” Davidson said. “There’s a lot more passion and so little room for error.”
*Think of Montreal and hockey is what comes to mind. Back when the NHL was limited to the Original Six, the dominating Flying Frenchmen were worshipped in Quebec.
French is VU guard Tevonn Walker’s second language, but he’s frosty about hockey.
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“My cousin played when he was younger,” the Montreal native said, “but it’s not my sport. I don’t even like to watch it.”
The talented freshman has started all but one game for the Crusaders (28-5), who face Maryland on Friday in Columbus, Ohio. He is one of three Crusaders averaging double figures and leads them in steals.
*Top-ranked Indiana Wesleyan bowed out of the NAIA national tournament with a 79-75 loss to Davenport, Michigan in the quarterfinals. Coach Greg Tonage, a LaPorte native, guided the Wildcats to a school record 33 victories and their seventh straight Crossroads League title.
The Wildcats opened with a 77-56 rout of Brescia, Kentucky and edged Warner Pacific 79-75 in the second round. Nate Bubash (Munster) chalked up four points, four rebounds and two steals in the first game.
*Junior Princess German (Gary/Bowman) was named to the all-Midwest Region second team. Playing for Indianapolis, she led the Great Lakes Valley Conference in scoring with a 17.9 average and reached double figures in all but three games.
*Olivet’s Stefanie Lang (Valparaiso) was named to the all-MIAA first team for the second year in a row. She led the league in scoring and rebounds and set a school record for blocked shots. Lang posted 13 double-doubles in 16 league games.
Track & field
Louisiana State’s Tori Bliss finished second in the national indoor championships with a toss of 60-71/4 on her final throw. Earlier in the meet she connected with a toss of 60-11/4.
Two weeks ago the Portage senior shattered the SEC indoor record by breaking 60 feet for the first time. She cleared 60-1 to smash the LSU record by nearly three feet.
*Wabash’s Derek De St. Jean (Hanover Central) took seconds in the North Coast Conference indoor championships in the shot put (51-7) and weight throw (56-3).
John Mutka is a freelance writer.