Ole Miss junior Terence Davis told ESPN that he will declare for the 2018 NBA draft.
"This is a dream come true," Davis told ESPN. "I am entering the draft because I feel like this is the rule, so why not take advantage of it? I'll get to see where my game is at. I definitely believe that I am an NBA player and can play in the NBA. Nothing is guaranteed, but just being a part of this process, I am so excited. Even if things don't work out, I am looking forward to my senior year because of coach Kermit [Davis] and everyone coming back. His first year there, we can do something special. He's been a big help in this process."
The 6-foot-4 shooting guard averaged 14 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes per game for Ole Miss. He made 59 3-pointers in 32 games in what was a disappointing season for Ole Miss, which finished the season with a 12-20 record and saw head coach Andy Kennedy step down in February. The Rebels recently introduced Kermit Davis as their new coach.
Davis, 20, was a preseason second-team All-SEC pick in November after a breakout sophomore season that piqued the interest of NBA scouts. He has impressive physical tools, with long arms and a strong frame, and his good athletic ability gives him potential as an outside shooting, open-court scoring wing who can defend multiple positions. Davis has deep range on his jumper and sound shooting mechanics but has hit just 32 percent of his 3-point attempts in his three years at Ole Miss. His ballhandling ability in the half court also needs to be refined.
Davis will not hire an agent at this time, preserving the option to return to school for his senior year pending the feedback he receives from NBA teams. He plans to attend the NBA scouting combine if invited.
He is ranked No. 78 among ESPN's top 100 prospects for this summer's draft.
"I am hoping for an invitation to the NBA combine. I just want to show NBA executives that I have the physical tools and the skills to play in the NBA," Davis told ESPN. "If I get an invite to the combine, with my motor and the way I play the game, with the amount of love I have for the game, I am going to open up some eyes. All I need is an opportunity. If I hear great feedback, late first round, early second round, I will stay in. If I get the opportunity, I will take advantage of it."