Andrean’s Davidson picks Valparaiso

Updated: July 6, 2011 12:56PM

Nick Davidson couldn’t wait to commit to Valparaiso University.

Davidson, a rising junior point guard at Andrean, had looked around at other, bigger schools. He had visited Indiana and he knew what he wanted — a place close to home where his family and friends could see him, and a significant role on the team along with a school that fit his academic needs.

The Crusaders had it all, so Davidson called up Bryce Drew at 3 p.m. Tuesday and verbally committed to play for VU starting with the 2013-2014 season. His timetable had always been to commit early and get the decision out of the way.

“Other schools wanted me to be more of a role player,” Davidson said. “I wanted to go somewhere where I could contribute right away.”

The Crusaders blew him away with their presentation and their persistence in a recent official visit.

Davidson, a 6-4 point guard, averaged 18.5 points per game and 5.1 assists for the 59ers last season.

A top-20 player in Indiana in a phenomenal class, Davidson becomes the best local recruit to commit to VU since Drew decided to play for his dad, Homer, in 1994, and Griffith’s Kenny Harris picked VU in 2003. Harris’ career at VU was cut short after two seasons on the court when he collapsed working out and had to revived. He never played again.

Davidson said he didn’t frame the decision in terms of being the one local player that was going to help VU recruit in Northwest Indiana.

“I don’t see it like that,” he said. “I just feel real comfortable there.”

Andrean coach Carson Cunningham said that VU pursued Davidson with a relentless, passionate zeal that he really connected with.

“They wanted someone they could build a class around,” Cunningham said. “They said, ‘Hey, let’s do this now and make you the centerpiece.’ Nick was just so motivated and excited that he said, ‘I’m in.’”

Davidson, who started as a freshman at Andrean, will get to play point guard for the Crusaders — another thing he desired.

The fact that Bryce Drew played in the NBA and hit that shot on national television against Ole Miss in the 1998 NCAA Tournament also swayed him.

“I remember seeing that shot. It’s something I’ve dreamed of,” he said.

Cunningham said the Crusaders will occasionally use Davidson, who grew an inch since the end of the season, as a shooting guard.

“It’s a great fit for VU and Nick, and it’s great for Andrean,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham credited assistant coach Chris Sparks for working really hard to stay on top of Davidson.

“He and Bryce did a great job,” Cunningham said.

VU jumped on Davidson early, offering him a scholarship last season.

Davidson had just taken an unofficial visit to Indiana, and Butler was in the mix, though neither school had offered. Western Michigan, where Austin Richie of Lowell is going, made an offer this past weekend.

Cunningham said Drew’s background helped him cement his decision.

“Nick met Homer and he really liked him,” Cunningham said. “It’s true that Bryce has a sterling resume as a player that many high school kids find interesting. He’s a multi-year NBA guard who has gone through many professional systems and watched how they worked out and approached the game. It’s a priceless type of thing for a player that can only help.”

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