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Davis Commits to Providence

2/26/2020

In the fall, Sanford standout basketball player Jyare Davis '20 will be taking his talents to Rhode Island's Providence College. After being heavily recruited by schools such as DePaul, Rutgers, St. Joseph’s, Temple, and Villanova, to name just a few, Jyare recently gave Providence a verbal commitment because he felt he would continue to thrive there. Jyare will officially sign with the school in April.

Coach Ed Cooley is in his ninth season as head coach for the Providence Friars, who play in the competitive Big East Conference, and he made sure Jyare knew that he and the school were invested in him. "I had an injury this summer, and Coach Cooley kept in contact with me, even as other schools started to shy away. Even when I was not 100%, Providence, made me feel like I was a priority to them. I felt comfortable during a campus tour in November, as there is a family feeling to the school. I knew then it was where I wanted to continue my education and basketball career," shared Jyare.

When Jyare gave the school his verbal commitment, Providence gained a three-time first team All-State superstar. It is important to note that if Jyare earns first team All-State recognition again this year, he will be the first boys’ basketball player in Delaware to have earned this honor during all four years of high school. On the court, Jyare averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists during his junior year and is posting similar stats this season.

As a junior, Jyare was named the Delaware Gatorade Player of the Year. In last year’s state championship game, Jyare scored the go-ahead points against the previously undefeated Dover High School team. It was Sanford’s ninth DIAA Boys Basketball Tournament championship, and one of Jyare’s happiest moments as a Sanford Warrior. "Coach Stan [Waterman] keeps me going hard to develop my full potential. He has helped me with my skills and different approaches to the game. I have NBA aspirations, and I need coaches like him to help me achieve that goal."

Jyare started playing basketball as a five-year-old for the Boys/Girls Club in greater Newark. He immediately loved the sport and has been honing his skills ever since, in both AAU leagues and for his school teams. Jyare elaborated: "I was at Newark Charter, and in sixth grade my basketball game improved noticeably. I keep working to try and get better all the time. Basketball is a year-round commitment for me and, therefore, for my mom and grandparents. I am very appreciative of the way they have always supported me. I guess you could say that they are also ‘all in’ when it comes to basketball."

Jyare is usually an honor roll student, and he is very active in Sanford’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He explained: "My grandmother is a pastor, and community service has always been important in my family. I especially enjoy volunteering at the Sunday Breakfast Mission."

Coach Waterman commented: "Providence is getting a very talented basketball player, a very good student, and a quality person. Providence College appears to be a great fit for him, and I expect that he will transition nicely into their program. It will be an extension of his Sanford experience."

For now, Jyare is excited to continue wearing his Warrior blue and gold. He remains focused on making sure Sanford has a strong finish to this season and, hopefully, postseason. In due time, he will switch his colors to Providence’s black and white and give that team his full attention and best efforts. Jyare is keeping his options for a college major open and is looking forward to exploring the choices the liberal arts college will offer him.

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