Gamecocks’ first commitment of 2022 class still locked in after Martin’s departure
Frank Martin’s dismissal won’t deter Zachary Davis’ plans of wanting to play basketball at South Carolina.
Hercules Davis, Zachary’s father, told The State on Monday that his son remains committed to the Gamecocks despite Martin being let go as head coach after 10 seasons.
Zachary Davis, an in-state point guard at Denmark-Olar High School, was the first Gamecocks’ commitment for the Class of 2022. Martin watched the 6-foot-8 guard during South Carolina High School League’s basketball live period event in June in Rock Hill.
The day after the camp ended, Davis visited USC and made a verbal commitment to play for Martin and the Gamecocks. He signed with South Carolina in November.
“Right now, we are ready to come,” Hercules Davis told The State. “Me, his mom and family are behind Zachary 100 percent to come and play at South Carolina. ... They have got a good group of guys there and good group coming in.”
Hercules Davis said he was disappointed to hear the news Martin was let go because of the relationship he built with him and his son.
“My relationship with coach Martin is like he is an older brother to me and like family,” said Hercules Davis, who also is Denmark-Olar’s basketball coach. “He knows the ins and outs of the game and what to expect as a player. He coaches hard, and it is what I wanted my son to be a part of. He doesn’t baby his players. “
Zachary Davis had a huge senior season at Denmark-Olar, averaging 24.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game. He was named Class A Co-Player of the Year and was picked to play in the Carolinas Classic, which features some of the top seniors in North and South Carolina. The game will be played in Wilmington, North Carolina on March 26.
Davis is one of three members of the Gamecocks’ Class of 2022. The two others are Daniel Hankins-Sanford of Chambers High in Charlotte and Bryce Lindsay of St. Frances in Baltimore. Hankins-Sanford is signed, but Lindsay has not yet.
Hankins-Sanford posted the praying hands emoji on Monday. Lindsay posted a tweet Monday afternoon, presumably about the Martin news.
“everything happens 4 a reason,” Lindsay wrote.
Of South Carolina’s current roster, James Reese and AJ Wilson are the only ones who are out of eligibility. But with a coaching transition, there’s always a strong chance more players leave the program.
This story was originally published March 14, 2022 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Gamecocks’ first commitment of 2022 class still locked in after Martin’s departure."
