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Eric Davis forging relationship with NC State

Saginaw (Mich.) Arthur Hill junior point guard Eric Davis has unofficially visited NC State three times over the last 13 months, with the most recent for the Missouri at NC State game Dec. 28 in Raleigh.
The 6-foot-3, 160-pound Davis made his first trip to watch NC State hammer rival North Carolina on Jan. 26, 2013, and then later returned for a basketball camp last June. The Wolfpack narrowly lost 68-64 to Missouri during his third trip, he is also being recruited by the Tigers.
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The Rivals.com No. 30-ranked overall junior has reached a comfort level with the Wolfpack coaches, but with the players.
"I got to see the players and how they got along," Davis said. "Everything about NC State is really, really good. Players were welcoming me as if I was a player myself there."
Davis has talked to past NC State guards such as Lorenzo Brown, for example, about the program, and got to discuss things with some of current players. NCSU features four freshmen and two sophomores and redshirting junior Trevor Lacey, who in theory, could be around when the class of 2015 enrolls.
"There was a lot of honesty," Davis said. "I asked them some questions about the coaching staff and how it really is. They gave me honest answers."
Davis has been about to forge a relationship with NC State coach Mark Gottfried off and on over the last year.
"One thing about Coach Gottfried, he treats one-through-12, even the walk-ons, not differently," Davis said. "I have a feel for them already. He is just a very humble guy and everybody was welcoming of me. I really liked that.
"I've heard from all the members of the basketball staff, and we'll talk about things that aren't about basketball. I am the point guard, so you have to have a very good relationship [with the coach]."
Davis believes he'll be an ideal fit for the Wolfpack's offense, which is tailored off of John Wooden's legendary UCLA attack.
"You have to get into the lane and find guys or finish," Davis said. "The offense is a spread offense that is designed for his point guard. That's really good."
Davis also liked the intensity there is for college basketball in the Triangle area, coupled with just a few winter storms a year. The Missouri game drew 16,419 fans in attendance.
"It was really and the fans treat their NC State basketball players like NBA players," Davis said. "That's good because sometimes when you get down, there might not be any fans or support. No matter what, their fans have been supportive through thick and thin.
"The weather is a big plus. I'm not a big fan of the cold weather. I want to go somewhere where it is warm and hot."
Michigan State has offered Davis, while Michigan has heavily evaluated him. Both MSU coach Tom Izzo and Michigan coach John Beilein, plus a coach from Missouri, attended the big Saginaw Arthur Hill at Detroit Consortium matchup Saturday night. Consortium cruised to a 72-57 win with Davis going 4 of 12 from the field en route to 17 points.
"Every game, every practice and every day, I'm getting a lot better and also as a leader," Davis said. "My all-around game is getting a lot better. I'm just focusing on winning a state championship and have a great summer [with The Family].
"There was a lot of hype playing Consortium and [Rivals.com's No. 1-ranked sophomore] Josh Jackson. We zoned them. They made a lot of shots."
Davis also attended games at Michigan and Michigan State this winter. Cincinnati has also recently attended one of his games. Davis' uncle is handling where Davis' will visit this upcoming offseason.
"I'm just focusing on the basketball part," Davis said. "[The in-state] schools are showing me they really want me and I've been developing a good relationship with Coach Beilein. We've been talking every other day or twice a week. We have a really good relationship."
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