Feb. 12, 2008

Jim Foster will be the first to point to time as really only the true barometer to measure one's legacy.  And although his prized pupil Jessica Davenport is just one year removed from a record-setting All-American career at Ohio State, he too is willing to wait and not rush to judge what many believe was one of the finest women's basketball careers in Big Ten history.

Often times these days society pressures us to label certain records, accomplishments, careers and yes, even people.  You'll hear, "She was the best ever," or "that was the greatest performance of all time," or even "never again will that feat be matched."

However, it is tough to argue with numbers and Davenport's were pretty good over her four-year span in Columbus that ended in March of 2007.

For the record, she was the Big Ten's first-ever three-time Player of the Year and the only one in conference history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 300 blocked shots in a career.  She was the first three-time WBCA/Kodak and Associated Press All-American in school history and her career total of 384 blocks is tops in the Big Ten and seventh all-time in NCAA history.  On 14 occasions she was named the conference's Player of the Week and was selected in the 2007 WNBA Draft as the No. 2 overall pick.

Despite all the career achievements, one can't blame Davenport for having trouble responding so soon to the mark she left.

"My time at Ohio State was the greatest ever, but it is still kind of hard to understand the magnitude of what I have done," she said.  "I have never been the type who got caught up on individual awards, but to be the only player in the many years of the Big Ten to accomplish those things is an unreal feeling and I am truly proud of that."

A native of Columbus, Davenport knew at an early age that she wanted to stay close to home for college.  A self-described homebody, Davenport was just 15 minutes away from home when she was on campus and says the family support she received throughout her career helped her immensely.  Her family was able to come to every home game and watch her play, adding to that when Foster was hired as the head coach in 2002, it made her decision a "no brainer."

Perhaps what is most poignant is the fact that Davenport already feels she made an impact at Ohio State off the court as well.

When told she was chosen as Ohio State's female representative for the Big Ten's Black History Month campaign, Davenport was humbled by the distinction.

"It's such a great honor to know that people think so highly of my character to represent the whole university," she said.  "Over my years at Ohio State, I prided myself in making sure I was always doing the right thing on and off the court, so whoever looked up to me, saw a positive role model.  My high school and surrounding areas were predominately black, so a lot of young female athletes knew who I was and saw that I was just like them and if I excelled in school and ball and they could do it to.  I've had a lot of strong black female role models in my family who have helped guide me in the right direction and I want to be that role model for other young athletes."

Despite being just 15 minutes from home, Davenport called her life on campus an eye opener, one that surrounded her with a diverse group of people and as a result, made her more culturally diverse.

Her soft-spoken, likeable demeanor often spilled over on to the basketball court as well.  It was if Davenport realized as a teenager the effect she could have on others around her.  As a Buckeye, there is no question that Davenport's teammates left better basketball players, and people for that matter, from just being around the 6-5 gentle giant.  But Davenport, however, will be the first to tell you that her teammates also made her a better basketball player too.

"When I decided to come to Ohio State, I had no idea that I would have had the type of career that I ended up with," she said.  "With each passing year my goal was to get better individually and do what I needed to help the team. With that being said, I have had great teammates throughout my four years that have helped me reach those accomplishments and I thank them greatly."

One of the things that made Davenport such a dominant player not only in the league, but in the country, was her defined skill set.  In today's women's basketball scene, it seems there is more of a role for post players than there has been in the past.  However many "bigs" playing today seem to just look the part, using only their height as an advantage.  Davenport was different in many ways.  She brought a smooth, old-school approach to the game that was often likened by Foster to that of legendary George Mikan.

"Jess has learned skills," Foster said.  "Most post players are able to turn over one shoulder and score, which shows a dominant hand.  Good players can turn over both shoulders and score with either hand.  Jess took the time working on improving those things and really maximized her skills and talents."

Foster also points to Davenport's consistency as a factor to her success.  He said that often players will have a great year, but are unable to bring a level of consistency on a regular basis and handle all that comes with the demands.

Davenport scored in double digits in 83 of her last 84 games and finished her career fifth all-time in the Big Ten in scoring (2,303), second in school annals in rebounding (1,093) and tied for first in Ohio State career field goal percentage (.604) and games played (130).  After claiming the conference's Freshman of the Year award in 2004, Davenport proceeded to win the Player of the Year honor the following three seasons, while helping the Buckeyes to three-straight league titles.

While at Ohio State, Jessica Davenport had the opportunity to earn two gold medals with USA Basketball.

One of the lone setbacks in Davenport's career, however, was the manner in which it ended.  Ohio State, the No. 4 seed in the 2007 NCAA Championship, was upset 67-63 by No. 13 seed Marist in the first round of the tournament.  Davenport added 13 points and five rebounds in the game and although the loss was understandably disappointing, time has allowed her to look back and measure the loss.

"Every senior wants to go out on a high note by winning a championship, but in reality, not all will," she said.  "After the game I was so upset and disappointed, but that one game did not define my career. I had a great four years and that one loss was not going to take that away from me."

In fact, Davenport and her senior class had a record tenure in Columbus, finishing with a 108-22 (.831) mark - the best four-year win total by a Buckeye team in school history.

Following her college career, Davenport was selected second overall in the 2007 WNBA Draft by San Antonio and then traded to the New York Liberty, where she started last year.  Following her rookie season, Davenport said playing professionally is a dream come true for her, as she has the opportunity now to play against the best in the world.  When not in New York during the WNBA summer season, Davenport is playing in Challes, France.  She admits the play overseas is more physical and the trapezoid lane has taken some getting used to, but she is hardly a stranger to international play. 

While at Ohio State, Davenport had the opportunity to earn two gold medals with USA Basketball.  She helped the USA junior team win the World University Games in 2005 and was a member of the winning U.S. Senior National Team at the 2006 Opals World Challenge.

"Being in college and having the chance to represent your country was great," Davenport said.  "I got to see a lot of the world with USA Basketball and got to meet a lot of great people and players. You're playing with the best possible competition everyday and that makes your game better."

It is also clear that Davenport continues to cherish her role as a representative of Ohio State.  She is proud of the mark she has left, so far, on the school and the conference, and jokingly says she is looking forward to bragging to her kids someday about what she accomplished in college.

She continues to lead a balanced life, something she says Foster stressed on the team early on in regards to their academic, athletic and social lives.

"One could not outweigh the other," she says.

Davenport credits much of her success to her teammates and Foster, noting that to this day she still receives advice from him whether he knows it or not.

"There are so many things that coach has taught me that I still use to this day," she said.  "Even when I play for other coaches, I can still hear coach in my ear.  I just don't know if that's a good or bad thing."

Much like Foster's take on his pupil's legacy, only time will tell.