OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Former Big Ten Player of the Year and Wisconsin Badgers star Johnny Davis is back where it all began — and he’s making the most of it.
The La Crosse native started his hoops journey at La Crosse Central High School before starring at the University of Wisconsin. In just two seasons with the Badgers, Davis developed into one of the top players in the country, earning the Big Ten’s Player of the Year award in 2022.
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That success led to him being selected 10th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. But his time in Washington didn’t go as planned.
Injuries and a system that didn’t quite match his playstyle limited Davis’ ability to find consistency at the NBA level. Then, in October 2025, a new opportunity emerged — one much closer to home.
Davis learned he had been acquired by the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks.
“It’s been great,” Davis said. “I get to see my family every now and then… It was actually the first time my grandparents have seen me play since college.”
The homecoming has been meaningful, not just personally, but professionally as well.
Davis has embraced playing under head coach Beno Udrih, describing their relationship as a “love-hate” dynamic built on accountability and growth.
“He likes to get on you, but it’s all positive criticism,” Davis said. “He just wants what’s best for us.”
And that growth hasn’t come without challenges.
Davis suffered an ankle injury in early December that sidelined him for nearly two months, temporarily halting his momentum.
“I just hate that we didn’t get to see him more,” Udrih said. “He’s a double-double machine. He’s athletic, shifty, and defensively, nobody wants to be guarded by him.”
Since returning in late January, Davis has looked like himself again.
He’s averaging nearly 20 points per game while recording three double-doubles, providing a major boost for the Herd.
“People forget how young he is,” Udrih said. “There’s still a lot of potential there. Hopefully he keeps getting better and earns another opportunity in the NBA.”
“It’s about getting better every single day,” Davis said. “Just paying attention to the details.”
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And while the path hasn’t gone exactly as expected, he’s embracing where it’s taken him.
Because for now, Johnny Davis is right where he needs to be — back home in Wisconsin, doing what he loves.
