18
May
Aussies in NCAAM
'Unique' Malik follows in footsteps of idol Steph Curry
Malik Davis is heading to Davidson for the 2026-27 NCAAM Division 1 season. Photo: Lawrence Surgers / @pics.by.tre
Australian prospect Malik Davis commits to Davidson to continue his NCAA basketball journey.
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Australian prospect Malik Davis has long had his sights set on American college basketball.
Now, after years of working toward that goal and establishing himself as one of the top young prospects in Australia, the Victorian guard/forward is heading to play for the Davidson Wildcats in North Carolina.
Speaking to basketball.com.au from Geelong shortly after announcing his commitment, Davis described the opportunity as a “full-circle” moment, joining the same college attended by his favourite player, Stephen Curry.
“Growing up watching Davidson as a kid, it was really cool,” Davis said.
“To be able to get the opportunity to go play there is really special.”
The commitment marks the culmination of years spent chasing a pathway Davis identified early in his basketball journey.
“The last three or four years, my goal has been to go to college,” he said.
“The Vic Country pathway and State Team pathway really helped develop me and get me ready for that kind of environment.”
Malik Davis at the 2026 Under-20 National Championships
- 17.0 points
- 8.0 rebounds
- 2.25 assists
- 0.75 blocks
Rather than jumping straight into a professional space, Davis sees the college system as the ideal place to continue growing both as a player and as a person.
“I always wanted to go to college, get a degree, improve my basketball skills and meet new people,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can come out of that and land myself a professional contract.”
Competition also played a major role in the decision. Davidson competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference, which had one of their best years in recent memory last year, with two teams making the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. Davis believes the increasingly competitive conference will be a positive challenge.
“I definitely wanted to play in a tough conference,” he said.
“Ultimately, to be the best, you’ve got to play against the best.”
Despite the excitement surrounding his commitment, Davis remains grounded, crediting the coaches and mentors around him in Geelong for keeping him focused.
“They always tell me to keep my head down and keep working,” he said.
“That’s something I’ve really taken on from Geelong, staying humble and continuing to work towards my goals.”
On the court, Davis describes himself as a versatile player who impacts games in multiple ways.
“I’d describe my game as unique,” he said.
“I think I do a little bit of everything, shooting, facilitating and getting to the rim.
"One thing I really pride myself on is being a great teammate because I feel like we win games when everyone’s getting around each other, and everyone’s happy.”
Davis’ Division 1 college season is set to begin this November, with the season running to mid-March next year.
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