New Commit Cliff Davis Impressed by JMU's Winning Tradition
By Houston Wilson
James Madison and Head Coach Preston Spradlin continue to make steady progress in reshaping their roster this offseason, adding another key piece with the commitment of UTRGV transfer Cliff Davis. The versatile guard averaged 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season, and now looks to make an impact in Harrisonburg. Davis recently spoke with Locker Room Access about his decision to join the Dukes and what lies ahead.
1000% committed! pic.twitter.com/byBd9QQBiT
— Cliff (@Clifford_davis0) May 6, 2025
“The reason I picked JMU is because of the family atmosphere it has and the overall feel for it. They really welcomed me with open arms. I really enjoyed meeting with the academic advisors and even just some of the fans I met on my visit, I just realized it was the place for me.”
One of the biggest surprises for him was learning about the program’s tradition of success.
“The one thing I did not really know was just the winning tradition they had. I knew they had a couple of really good years recently, but it was just great learning about the history. Also, the arena was amazing. I have never really seen a big arena like theirs, and it was just so eye-popping. I can already see all of their fans going crazy.”
He’s eager to contribute to that tradition and help build something even bigger.
“Really, just me and my new teammates are just going to have to come in there and work. We are going to block all of the outside noise because there is going to be some hate but there is also going to be a lot of love, but at the end of the day, we are just going to have to block it out and stick together and just grind, brick by brick.”
Davis also appreciated the vision Coach Spradlin laid out during their conversations.
“The pitch was just Coach Spradlin showing some of the recent guards that he has coached. He is big on development and it was great seeing how well players have progressed under him from year to year.”
When it comes to basketball fit, Davis sees himself sliding in smoothly with what the Dukes like to do on the floor.
“I see myself fitting really well in their system. I see myself fitting well with their pindowns and the type of screening they do. The way they play is how I thrive, so I am super excited.”
And for fans wondering what kind of player they’re getting, Davis kept it simple.
“They can expect a guy that plays with a lot of energy, a guy that shoots a lot of three pointers, and a guy that is willing to pick up full court and guard at a high level.”
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