Drake University athletic director Dave Blank says he was looking for some instant national exposure for the players when he decided to hire former University of Iowa basketball coach Tom Davis. Blank’s gotten what he sought as the news of Davis’ hiring has gained national attention. Drake players are excited too about the buzz that now surrounds the team that hasn’t had a winning season since 1987. Junior Lonnie Randolph is one of the returning starters who’ll play for Davis this season. He says he can’t even describe how excited he is. Davis met with the Bulldog players prior to Tuesday’s formal announcement that he was taking the job. Randolph says the team was immediately impressed.He says Davis went over his background and what he has in mind for Drake. Randolph says Davis told them he’s no a miracle worker and it’s going to take hard work to get the job done. Randolph was asked if Davis seems like the person who can turn the program around. Randolph says Davis doesn’t seem like he is, he knows Davis is the one, as he’s the “General”, and says they couldn’t aske for a better coach to come in. Davis has been out of coaching for the past four years, after his contract was not renewed at Iowa. He is the Hawkeyes all-time winningest coach.
