The path that brought Jaron Davis to Southern Union was a stormy one, literally. Davis, a native of New Orleans, was a victim of Hurricane Katrina who took refuge in Alabama to escape the effects of the massive storm. After the winds of change and devastation had subsided, Davis and his family settled in Hoover.
Explaining that "my family is a basketball family; it's all I've ever done," it was no surprise that Davis quickly became a standout for the Buccaneers, and helped lead the team to an area championship, setting an all-time win record for Hoover along the way. He was heavily recruited out of high school, but an introduction by his high school coach to Southern Union State Community College Head Coach Ron Radford made the direction he should go clear. "Once I met Coach Radford, I knew instantly that Southern Union was the place for me," Davis said.
He has not regretted his choice, crediting his time at SUSCC for teaching him some valuable life lessons. "Coach Radford has taught our team that while it is great to be a success on the basketball court, it is even better to be a success in life. He has helped me become a leader both on and off the court. He wants us to strive to be all around good people."
These lessons have not been lost on Davis. As a starting point guard his freshman season, he was the leading scorer for the Bison. Named captain of this year's team Davis sees how he can use past experiences to shape his team's future. He has a desire to "just get better at every opportunity"; to create a fire in this year's team, helping them realize they should "never give up" and "work hard for the win." Davis added he wants to "do a better job of creating opportunities for my teammates" this season.
"Our team is full of dynamic athletes, and we have a unique chemistry," he said. "We are like brothers; we all want to win. We hangout together off the court, and cannot wait to play together on the court," he added.
Davis wants to make the best of his last year as a SU Bison, keeping his eye on a run at a championship. However, as he entertains offers from four-year programs, he always keeps his personal motivation for success in the back of his mind: his family. "The women in my family, my mom and sisters, motivate me to be the best I can be. I hope to be able to further my basketball career, but I just want to be able to give them a good life; where they will not lack for anything," he said.
The SU Bison open the 2013 season at home against West Georgia Tech on November 5.