Landon Davis
"@DeSalesBBall ‘26 | @mmibaseball ‘28 | OF/RHP | 6’4 200lbs | landon.pund@desaleshs.com (502)-780-0077 | @PPL_lou athlete"
Illinois
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Scout Report
When a program lands a commitment from a 6-8 forward ranked outside the top 200, they're usually banking on upside over immediate impact. Illinois found something different in their latest pledge — a player whose college-ready frame and fundamentals suggest he could contribute sooner than his ranking indicates.
Background
Waukee, Iowa isn't exactly a basketball hotbed, but the northwest suburbs of Des Moines have been producing more college talent lately. Davis comes from an athletic family with deep connections to sports, growing up in a household where competition was constant. He landed at Waukee Northwest, one of the newer programs in the area that's been building its basketball reputation. The AAU circuit gave him exposure beyond Iowa borders, but he never became one of those event darlings who live for the highlight reel.
Playing Style
Davis plays with the measured pace of an old-school big man who understands spacing and timing. He's not going to bulldoze his way to the rim, but he reads help defense well and finds the right angles around the basket. His decision-making rarely gets him in trouble — when the shot isn't there, he moves the ball quickly without forcing bad looks. Defensively, he uses his length to alter shots without hunting for blocks, and his footwork is surprisingly clean for someone his size. He impacts winning through steady, fundamental basketball rather than explosive athleticism. The motor runs consistently, and coaches love that he makes the right play even when it doesn't fill up his stat sheet.
Strengths
The jump shot is his calling card — Davis has legitimate range that extends beyond the three-point line and a repeatable stroke that suggests it will translate immediately to college. His hands are excellent, whether catching passes in traffic or securing rebounds in crowds. Most impressive is his basketball IQ, particularly his ability to recognize double teams and find the open man before help arrives. Playing alongside Colin Rice has taught him how to operate as the second option, making quick decisions that keep the offense flowing.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength will be crucial for Davis to bang with bigger, more physical college forwards night after night. His first step isn't explosive, so developing more varied ways to create separation off the dribble could unlock additional scoring opportunities. The defensive versatility is there in theory, but proving he can switch onto quicker players in ball screens will determine his floor time.
Player Comparison
His game reminds me of a young Ryan Kreklow from Missouri State — not the most athletic big on the floor, but someone who impacts winning through shooting, smart cuts, and never making the wrong decision. Like Kreklow, Davis has that sneaky ability to hurt teams with his shot while doing all the little things that coaches crave from their forwards.
Recruitment
Brad Underwood and Illinois moved quickly once they identified Davis as a priority, offering early and staying consistent throughout his recruitment. The in-state programs Iowa and Northern Iowa pushed hard, but the Illini's recent success developing forwards and their need for shooting at the position made them the logical choice. His commitment came earlier than most in his class, suggesting Illinois sees him as more than just a depth piece. The relationship with the coaching staff developed naturally, and his skill set fits what Underwood wants from his four men.
Projection
Davis projects as a rotation player by his sophomore year who could develop into a reliable starter if the shot continues improving. His ceiling isn't All-Conference level, but programs win with players like him — smart, skilled, and dependable. Professional basketball seems unlikely given his athletic limitations, but overseas opportunities could exist if he maximizes his college development.
Updated Apr 17, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Offers
5
Illinois
Signed
Chose Illinois over 4 other offers
Iowa
Illinois-ChicagoNorthern IowaOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
2026 - 5’11 G Nico Ballard finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in the win over Ballard! @nicooballard @BlueGrassMix @KYINhoops @JackRiley323 @NxtProHoops @mosesk225 @NEXTGENPROSP
I’m very excited to announce, I will be continuing my Academic and Athletic Career at Georgetown college @Gtown_Football I appreciate everyone that helped me into my decision and getting me to where I need to be ! It’s time to work even harder ! @DeSalesColtsFB #Stamped https://t.co/a47pbgNn5Y
2026 - 5'11 G Nico Ballard (@nicooballard) of South Oldham (KY) finished with 21 points (5-7 3FG) in a win over Evangel Christian
Excited to announce my commitment to Frontier CC. Go Bobcats! @MattMcCue15 @BaseballBcats https://x.com/Jacksonbowen26/status/2019593705506894207/photo/1
2026 Jackson Bowen (@Jacksonbowen26) FB: 84-86 CH: 80 SW: 75-77 😬😬😬 @NOHSbsb UNCOMMITTED https://x.com/PPL_Main/status/2019187837866762265/video/1