Markise Davis (203-G/F-2000, college: Arkansas St., agency: One Motive Sports) is a 24 203cm forward from Alabama playing his second pro season and first with at BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). Last season as a rookie he played with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 7.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, in Dec.’23 moved to OKK Slavija 1996 Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division) averaging 7.6ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 84.6%. He began his basketball career at Oxford high school and then played 2 seasons at Wallace State Community college averaging 4.7ppg, 2.0rpg and 10.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 73.7%. He then finished at Arkansas State University (NCAA) averaging 5.2ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 45.9%, FT: 60.0%, 6.2ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 69.7% and 9.9ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 89.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

After a rookie season that saw you in Finland and Bosnia, your playing this season with BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) in the second league. Was it tough taking a step backwards to play in a second division?

How I look at it is I still get to play ball so go seize the opportunity and get back to where you naturally belong

How big is your chip on your shoulder? You had a solid senior year at Arkansas State, but playing in the second league this season. Do you feel like you are way off the radar for teams`

No, I don’t feel like I’m necessarily off any radar, anything can happen and anything is possible. It just depends on me and how well I play this season.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2)? What do you appreciate most about the organization?

I appreciate BC Mess for giving me an opportunity to play basketball here in this beautiful country and continuing my journey as a player.

What is it like playing in Luxemburg? The travel is short. What have you appreciated most about the culture?

Playing in Luxembourg is dope, and I haven’t really been out much at all. I just practice/workout/play my game.

What has it been being teammates with Deanthony Mccallum? Your journeys are very similar? Both went to JUCO and had similar stats in the NCAA. I can imagine you guys relate to each other really well?

We both kind of went through the same things to get to where we are now and we’re both grateful to meet one another and seize this opportunity to grow as men and professionals.

You both need the ball in your hands a lot. Do you guys share the leadership role together or does one do some role more than the other to help the team be successful?

We both don’t care who has the ball cause at the end of the day we want to win.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

Paul George or Zach Lavine

What kind of an experience has it been becoming that big time scorer something you never were in the last years? How much do you enjoy it?

I’ve always been a scorer and my job at every place i’ve played I was told to score. I just like to pass as well to get my teammates in the mix and I play defense as well

You fill the stat sheet with ease. How big is versatility in your game or did it become that this season?

I’ve been this way my whole life so it’s natural to me to fill the stat sheet

You are a rebound monster this season? How has your rebounding game grown this season?

Rebounding has definitely been a point of focus for me this season. I’ve always known how important it is, but this year, I’ve really tried to elevate that part of my game. It’s not just about size or jumping ability — it’s about positioning, anticipation, and hustle. I’ve been putting more emphasis on boxing out, reading the ball off the rim, and being relentless when the shot goes up. Also, I’ve worked a lot on timing and keeping my energy high, especially in crucial moments. Sometimes it’s just about wanting the ball more than the other guy, and I’ve really bought into that mentality this year. My teammates and coaches have also helped by giving me the confidence to be aggressive on the boards, and it’s showing in my numbers. Overall, I feel like I’ve grown a lot in my awareness and commitment to crashing the glass, and it’s become a bigger part of my game that I’m proud of.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I can guard anyone or any action, but maybe get a little more ahead of the offense to shut down the play before it happens

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

Shooting/Dribbling

You split your rookie season with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 7.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, in Dec.’23 moved to OKK Slavija 1996 Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 7.6ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 84.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Nothings promised or guaranteed

Last season you were teammates with Vincent 22 Golson. How much of a pleasure was it playing with him? What did you appreciate most about him?

He was a huge help and gave me a lot of pointers and he was always on que with passes and making it hard on the defense to make it easy for others to score

You had 2 NBA draft workouts with Charlotte and Dallas. How blessed are you to have a great agent like Drew Kelso getting you an opportunity like that?

Drew is an amazing guy and has been since I’ve met him. Coming from where I’m from, nobody gets opportunities like that so those workouts meant a lot to me and I know I’m capable of being in the League one day.

How was it working out for NBA teams. Did you get any great advice from basketball legends and or play against some well known players?

It was great, all 6 of us had fun and worked hard!

You played 2 seasons at Wallace State (JUCO). Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have told me it was very tough, but an experience that they wouldn´t have missed for the world. How was it for you?

It wasn’t tough i’d say, I had the best experience of my life there. Met many friends I still know till this day who are also pros just like me. Juco was probably top 3 in life playing basketball.

What memories will you always have of Chris Rollins. He has played in Germany and continuing to move up the basketball ladder.

Chris Rollins was my host on my visit to Wallace State in 2018 before I ended up committing the following year in 19, but he’s like my older brother and helped me out the whole year and put me under his wing. He taught me how to cut hair as well so we are both barbers but not certified just yet but will be one day. I can go on and on but I´m blessed to meet my brother.

How valuable was head coach John Meeks there? How did he prepare you best for the NCAA?

He taught me a lot that transitioned to the game as well Collin Dimitroff the coach after John Meeks.

You played 3 years at Arkansas State for 3 years. Talk a little about your time there. How did your game grow there?

I got bigger, smarter with the game, more physical and better shape with the help of James Diaz and Shane Lanteigne who were my strength coaches to get me prepared for the tough seasons I had.

You had many great games especially against top team Texas Tech. What was your personal best game and fondest memory on the court?

Against Costal Carolina my senior season, just an electrifying performance from me that game and watching it gives me chills

How did head coach Mike Balado groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Balado groomed me into the best man I am today and the player I am today. He made sure to let me know how good of a player I was and gave me the confidence to perform at a high level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Omar El Sheikh?

Me of course haha, but Omar is a great player and he’s doing a great job moving forward in his professional career

Who is the toughest player you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?

John Petty

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Caleb Fields

Chris Rollins

2018 Oxford High Season

Zion Williams

Nic Tingling

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Bron

Kobe

KD

Steph

Kyrie

Your Who is your GOAT?

I personally don’t have one, I like them all

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yeah you don’t ruin masterpieces like that haha

Thanks Markise for the chat