Madison Reporter

Even as he prepares himself for parts that for now remain unknown, Wisconsin sophomore hoops star Johnny Davis professes his heart will always be with the Badgers.

Davis, who grew up in La Crosse, has announced he will be entering the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft and has already hired an agent.

"Very excited for the next chapter in my life," he posted on Twitter recently. "Forever a Badger. #OnWisconsin"

In his two seasons at Wisconsin, Davis averaged just over 13 points and six rebounds per game, a Friday release by The Daily News said. That includes averages of 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds during his sophomore season when he was named Big Ten Player of the Year, tabbed as an Associated Press All-America first-team selection, and led the Badgers to a Big-10 regular-season title and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.  

A 6-5 guard, Davis is projected by some to be the first top-10 overall pick from Wisconsin since 2015, the release said. The only other times a Badger was taken in the top 10 occurred in 2004 and 1950.

"It has meant absolutely everything to be able to play here at the University of Wisconsin, especially growing up in the state of Wisconsin and the city of La Crosse,” Davis said in his Twitter video. "Taking that jersey off for the last time hurt a lot, but I just know that no matter what this will always be home to me."

During the tournament, Davis suited up for the Badgers despite being hampered by a bad ankle that kept him out of the regular-season finale.

"We always knew Johnny was tough and he showed that all season long, never more than down the stretch," Badgers coach Greg Gard said. "We knew he was hurting, but he laid it all on the line for his teammates. That's a toughness that will translate at any level."

The NBA Draft will be held June 23.