As faculty basketball shifts beneath the burden of NIL, income sharing, and nonstop roster turnover, applications like Davidson — historically rooted in long-term improvement, tutorial rigor, and a tight-knit tradition — are studying the best way to evolve with out shedding their identification. At the middle of that transformation is General Manager Austin Buntz.
Buntz, who formally took over as GM in March, isn’t any bizarre administrator. He’s Davidson’s NIL negotiator, roster architect, fundraising lead, tradition cultivator, and one-man bridge between this system’s current and its future. His job, which didn’t even exist at most faculties a number of years in the past, is now some of the important roles in a mid-major program making an attempt to compete nationally.
“Revenue sharing is known as a year-round job,” he informed me. “But for me, it’s private. Davidson is a particular place, and I feel we’ve an opportunity to construct one thing even higher than folks notice.”
A Reset With Purpose
After a disappointing Twelfth-place end within the A-10 final season and a second-round exit within the convention event, Davidson’s employees discovered themselves at a pivotal juncture. The workforce was shedding its high 5 gamers in minutes per recreation, together with Reed Bailey, who earned First Team All-A10 and Most Improved honors earlier than transferring to Indiana. Bobby Durkin (Minnesota), Mike Loughnane (Northeastern), and graduates Zach Laput and Connor Kochera rounded out the exits. Bailey not solely led the workforce in scoring, but additionally paced the Wildcats in rebounds and assists — a uncommon triple-threat contributor who left large sneakers to fill.
Rather than retreating, Head Coach Matt McKillop, Buntz, and the teaching employees leaned in. The offseason wasn’t nearly discovering replacements — it was about reshaping this system’s future with function. “We weren’t going out searching for mercenaries,” Buntz stated. “We had been searching for the precise guys. Smart, robust, bought-in, and excited to be a part of what we’re constructing.”
The end result? Seven new additions — 4 transfers and three freshmen — who convey depth, versatility, and much-needed athleticism. The roster could also be new, however the ethos stays the identical.
“We’re actually proud of the roster, the place it ended up, and the potential it has,” Buntz stated. “What we search for are guys who match Davidson on and off the court docket.”
The Modern GM
Buntz’s function as General Manager could also be new to Davidson, but it surely’s changing into extra widespread within the trendy faculty recreation. His background at Under Armour and Curry Brand helped put together him for this second. There, he labored with NBA gamers, highschool stars, and elite coaches — gaining a singular perspective on each the basketball and enterprise sides of the game.
“That expertise taught me how issues work on the highest ranges,” he stated. “Bringing that data to Davidson, a spot I consider in deeply, has been actually rewarding.”
As GM, Buntz oversees NIL and income sharing offers, assists with the recruiting technique, donor relations, and rather more. He’s in fixed contact with Head Coach Matt McKillop, serving as a trusted associate and logistical level guard for this system.
“I’m in Matt’s workplace on daily basis,” Buntz stated. “Talking concerning the finances, recruiting, technique — you title it. I feel certainly one of my greatest tasks is releasing him as much as coach. Let him concentrate on profitable video games, whereas I deal with the income sharing and new panorama features.”
Buntz can be in each basketball employees assembly, serving to tie collectively the executive and aggressive features of this system. He travels to each highway recreation, usually bringing donors alongside, and hosts alumni occasions in every metropolis the workforce visits.
“It’s plenty of enjoyable,” he stated. “I like the folks right here and what we’re working towards.”
That relationship extends to the broader athletic division as properly. Buntz works carefully with Athletic Director Chris Clunie and is deeply concerned in shaping the infrastructure round each the boys’s and girls’s basketball applications.
“There’s a perception from the highest down that Davidson basketball is particular,” he stated. “From President Hicks to Chris Clunie to Matt McKillop and our coaches — all of us consider in what this may be.”
What Changed, and What’s Coming
The switch portal has redefined roster building in faculty basketball, and Buntz has embraced the problem. He was tasked with evaluating the earlier workforce’s weaknesses — inconsistent taking pictures, lack of true level guard play, and a necessity for higher protection and physicality — and addressing them head-on.
Davidson’s offseason method was clear: get extra athletic, defend at the next degree, and discover gamers who may knock down pictures with consistency. “Late within the 12 months, our three-point taking pictures dipped,” he stated, pointing to one of many extra irritating developments of final season. That stretch uncovered the necessity for shot-makers and guards who may keep poised beneath strain.
Landing a real level guard was additionally a key precedence — somebody able to organizing the offense and bringing stability in late-game conditions. From there, it was about including items that would defend throughout positions, make pictures, and lift the workforce’s aggressive edge. Altogether, the strikes replicate a deliberate shift towards a harder, extra dynamic identification on each ends of the ground.
Here’s a have a look at the brand new Wildcats and why they match:
- Sam Brown (Penn) – The Ivy League’s main scorer final season (19.3 PPG, 43% from 3PT in convention play), Brown brings management, shot creation, and a high-level really feel for the sport. The son of NBA coach Brett Brown, he comes with a robust basketball IQ and is able to lead from day one. “He’s a extremely high-IQ participant,” Buntz stated. “He’s additionally a extremely particular guard that may put up plenty of factors.” Brown exploded for 42 factors in opposition to Columbia on March 1 — essentially the most by a Penn participant in 35 years.
- Parker Friedrichsen (Wake Forest) – A knockdown shooter with deep vary, Friedrichsen grew up enjoying level guard and brings extra playmaking skill than his taking pictures label may recommend. Originally recruited by Davidson out of highschool, he additionally has an current relationship with Stephen Curry. “He shoots the ball in addition to anybody,” Buntz stated. “People neglect — he ran the purpose most of his life.”
“I feel we’ve an opportunity to have a kind of actually particular Davidson backcourts,” Buntz stated. “That’s all the time been the recipe for our success.”
- Josh Scovens (Army) – A Second Team All-Patriot League choice, Scovens is a gritty, bodily wing who makes his mark by way of effort performs and toughness. He’s a relentless rebounder and self-described “soiled buckets” man who embraces doing the little issues. Buntz referred to as him “a protracted and rugged wing — can guard 1 by way of 5 and is precisely what we’re searching for,” including, “We’re actually enthusiastic about Josh.” After two years at West Point, the Greensboro native is coming house — and bringing his edge with him.
- JQ Roberts (Vanderbilt) – A 6’7″ athletic ahead who brings SEC dimension and defensive versatility to Davidson. His character got here extremely beneficial by former Wildcat Grant Huffman, who performed alongside him at Vanderbilt. Buntz raves about his upside, calling Roberts “an unimaginable high-level athlete” and including, “We consider he could make an enormous leap this season. A extremely enjoyable participant.” Throughout the recruiting course of, what stood out most — past the bodily instruments — was the common reward for Roberts as an individual.
- RJ Greer (Freshman) – A former NC State commit and top-150 recruit, Greer brings playmaking instincts and scoring punch to the backcourt. During his go to, the employees in contrast him to a faster model of Kellan Grady — a excessive praise in Davidson circles. Eager to see Greer’s impression, Buntz stated, “He can actually rating — we’re excited to get him on campus.” Greer additionally comes from sturdy basketball roots: his father, Ricardo, is at present the affiliate head coach at Dayton.
- Devin Brown (Freshman) – A state champion from Ohio, Brown arrives with a fame for toughness, maturity, and profitable. Buntz described Brown as a “nice athlete” who “can shoot, move, defend — actually versatile.” A embellished participant at each degree, Brown was named Ohio Capital Conference Player of the Year and earned Second Team All-Ohio honors. Signed again in November, he’ll have an opportunity to carve out a job early because of his all-around recreation and aggressive edge.
- Ian Platteeuw (Freshman) – A talented seven-footer from Spain, Platteeuw brings the type of playmaking and flexibility Davidson has lengthy valued on the middle place. Buntz singled out Platteeuw as “probably the greatest younger European and Spanish prospects” who “matches all the things we’re searching for — on the court docket and culturally. He’s extremely expert for his dimension and has proven nice manufacturing in worldwide play.”
The pleasure is palpable, and Buntz is raring to see the workforce coalesce. “We are excited to get them right here and see how they mesh with the returners. That’s essentially the most enjoyable facet of it.”
Returning Core Poised to Elevate
While a lot of the offseason buzz has surrounded Davidson’s new arrivals, they’ll nonetheless be asking for important contribution from various returning gamers.
At the middle of that’s Sean Logan, who returns for his senior season after lacking most of final 12 months resulting from harm. Before the setback, Logan had emerged as a rim protector with elite timing and presence within the paint. “He would’ve shattered the varsity’s block document,” Buntz stated. “We’re thrilled to get him again. Having a senior large man who is aware of the system and anchors the protection is large in our league.”
Sophomore Manie Joses turned heads late final season together with his athleticism, defensive instincts, and growing perimeter recreation. His ceiling stays some of the intriguing on the roster. Hunter Adam and Roberts Blums return as dependable floor-spacers who’ll be counted on to knock down pictures, whereas Joe Hurlburt provides the frontcourt extra depth and dimension. Fans may even get their first have a look at redshirt sophomore Nick Coval, who impressed behind the scenes final 12 months. “Nick would’ve performed if he hadn’t redshirted,” Buntz stated. “He’s a superb participant.”
These aren’t simply function gamers — they’re cultural pillars who perceive what it means to play at Davidson.
This roster provides Davidson the type of versatility it hasn’t had in years — defensive switchability, a number of creators on the ground, and the power to play quick, small, or large relying on matchups. The backcourt depth specifically units up the Wildcats to unfold the ground and rating in waves, paying homage to a few of Davidson’s most dynamic trendy groups.
The non-conference schedule displays this perception. The ‘Cats will go to Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 22 to face Kansas — a marquee matchup that calls again to Davidson’s iconic 2008 Elite Eight run. They’ll additionally compete within the Charleston Classic in opposition to two of Utah State, Boston College, or Tulane. Back house, Belk Arena hosts Saint Mary’s, Temple, and Bowling Green, with a regional highway journey to Charlotte.
And make no mistake, expectations are excessive. “We wish to win the A-10,” Buntz stated. “That’s all the time the objective. That’s the Davidson commonplace.”
Rebuilding Belk’s Energy
One of a very powerful — and infrequently neglected — drivers of a profitable faculty basketball season is homecourt power. Davidson followers have seen what Belk Arena will be at its greatest: packed, loud, and genuinely intimidating. Under Bob McKillop, the Wildcats went an astonishing 8–1 or higher in house convention video games in seven of his 9 A-10 seasons — a testomony to how dominant Belk may very well be when it was actually alive. But in recent times, that edge has pale.
Buntz and the athletic division are working to alter that. Not simply by way of giveaways or gimmicks, however by way of a grassroots effort to re-engage college students, alumni, and the broader group. The technique begins on campus, the place gamers are being inspired to indicate up at different occasions, join with classmates, and change into extra seen exterior the fitness center.
“We talked about how our guys must be locally extra,” Buntz stated, “and never simply the Davidson group, however the campus group. That’s while you get a particular ambiance in Belk Arena — like with D Block from years previous that I’ve heard a lot about.”
The perception is straightforward: when college students really feel an actual connection to the workforce, they present up — and it adjustments all the things.
“I feel being in a scholar part is a extremely enjoyable time in faculty, a few of our most supportive long-time donors and followers started as freshmen within the scholar part once they first obtained to campus,” he stated. “And I feel there’s an possession for college students and for followers while you create a particular ambiance. That’s as vital as something, and it actually impacts profitable.”
Buntz pointed to final season’s viral moments — just like the swim workforce rallying the gang from the stands — as a glimpse of what’s attainable. He needs extra of that. More connection. More presence. More noise.
Behind the scenes, the employees can be upgrading the game-day expertise, with enhancements coming to hospitality areas and the Fast Break Club. The imaginative and prescient is obvious: Belk Arena ought to really feel just like the place to be for basketball in Charlotte and Lake Norman.
This season is an opportunity to reclaim that edge — to make Belk an issue once more for opposing groups.
“We assume the group goes to essentially embrace this workforce,” Buntz stated. “The personalities, the type — it’s actually thrilling. And when Belk is rocking, it makes an actual distinction.”
Thriving within the New College Basketball Landscape
The collegiate sports activities world has been essentially reshaped by NIL and new revenue-sharing fashions. While this evolving panorama presents distinctive challenges, Davidson is embracing the adjustments with a transparent imaginative and prescient and profound optimism.
“I’m excited and optimistic for the adjustments sooner or later,” says Buntz. “I do know that there are individuals who query the place Davidson perhaps matches on this new panorama, however I feel we slot in very well. I really assume the chance is unimaginable for a college like Davidson to maneuver up within the hierarchy of school athletics and faculty basketball.”
This confidence is considerably bolstered by the strategic launch of the Curry Berman Fund, an eight-figure reward from NBA All-Star Stephen Curry ’10, his spouse, Ayesha, and the Berman household. This pivotal fund gives a important start line for Davidson to compete on this remodeled period, permitting the school to instantly decide into the NCAA’s landmark House settlement revenue-sharing mannequin and supply structured, clear NIL help.
Davidson’s method is outlined by adapting with out compromising its distinctive identification. “We’re adapting to this new panorama, however we’re additionally not backing down from who we’re both as a college and who we’re as a basketball program,” Buntz emphasizes. “You’re coming right here to be a Davidson scholar, and your Davidson diploma, it actually issues. It actually issues. I genuinely consider that.”
The success of this distinctive path hinges on broad group help. “We’re so grateful to the Curry household and the Berman household for his or her help and the brand new Curry Berman fund,” Buntz states, “however we want extra supporters to leap on board as properly. This new panorama takes a village.”
Final Thoughts
In 45 minutes with Buntz, one factor got here by way of loud and clear: he will get it. He is aware of the stakes. He believes within the mission. And he’s all in on constructing one thing lasting at Davidson.
“This isn’t only a workforce,” he informed me. “It’s a household. Everyone’s part of this.”
That contains followers. Whether you’re a longtime donor, a first-year scholar, or somebody who wandered into Belk Arena out of curiosity, Buntz needs you to really feel linked.
“As a fan, you’ll be able to actually get to know our gamers and coaches,” he stated. “We’re accessible, we care, and we’re constructing one thing you will be proud to be a part of.”
Davidson Basketball could look completely different on this new period. But the values haven’t modified. And neither has the assumption.
As all the time, it’s an awesome day to be a Wildcat.
