As college basketball shifts under the weight of NIL, revenue sharing, and nonstop roster turnover, programs like Davidson — traditionally rooted in long-term development, academic rigor, and a tight-knit culture — are learning how to evolve without losing their identity. At the center of that transformation is General Manager Austin Buntz.
Buntz, who officially took over as GM in March, is no ordinary administrator. He’s Davidson’s NIL negotiator, roster architect, fundraising lead, culture cultivator, and one-man bridge between the program’s present and its future. His job, which didn’t even exist at most schools a few years ago, is now one of the most essential roles in a mid-major program trying to compete nationally.
“Revenue sharing is really a year-round job,” he told me. “But for me, it’s personal. Davidson is a special place, and I think we have a chance to build something even better than people realize.”
A Reset With Purpose
After a disappointing 12th-place finish in the A-10 last season and a second-round exit in the conference tournament, Davidson’s staff found themselves at a pivotal juncture. The team was losing its top five players in minutes per game, including Reed Bailey, who earned First Team All-A10 and Most Improved honors before transferring to Indiana. Bobby Durkin (Minnesota), Mike Loughnane (Northeastern), and graduates Zach Laput and Connor Kochera rounded out the exits. Bailey not only led the team in scoring, but also paced the Wildcats in rebounds and assists — a rare triple-threat contributor who left big shoes to fill.
Rather than retreating, Head Coach Matt McKillop, Buntz, and the coaching staff leaned in. The offseason wasn’t just about finding replacements — it was about reshaping the program’s future with purpose. “We weren’t going out looking for mercenaries,” Buntz said. “We were looking for the right guys. Smart, tough, bought-in, and excited to be part of what we’re building.”
The result? Seven new additions — four transfers and three freshmen — who bring depth, versatility, and much-needed athleticism. The roster may be new, but the ethos remains the same.
“We’re really happy with the roster, where it ended up, and the potential it has,” Buntz said. “What we look for are guys who fit Davidson on and off the court.”
The Modern GM
Buntz’s role as General Manager may be new to Davidson, but it’s becoming more common in the modern college game. His background at Under Armour and Curry Brand helped prepare him for this moment. There, he worked with NBA players, high school stars, and elite coaches — gaining a unique perspective on both the basketball and business sides of the sport.
“That experience taught me how things work at the highest levels,” he said. “Bringing that knowledge to Davidson, a place I believe in deeply, has been really rewarding.”
As GM, Buntz oversees NIL and revenue sharing deals, assists with the recruiting strategy, donor relations, and much more. He’s in constant contact with Head Coach Matt McKillop, serving as a trusted partner and logistical point guard for the program.
“I’m in Matt’s office every day,” Buntz said. “Talking about the budget, recruiting, strategy — you name it. I think one of my biggest responsibilities is freeing him up to coach. Let him focus on winning games, while I handle the revenue sharing and new landscape aspects.”
Buntz is also in every basketball staff meeting, helping tie together the administrative and competitive aspects of the program. He travels to every road game, often bringing donors along, and hosts alumni events in each city the team visits.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I love the people here and what we’re working toward.”
That relationship extends to the broader athletic department as well. Buntz works closely with Athletic Director Chris Clunie and is deeply involved in shaping the infrastructure around both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
“There’s a belief from the top down that Davidson basketball is special,” he said. “From President Hicks to Chris Clunie to Matt McKillop and our coaches — we all believe in what this can be.”
What Changed, and What’s Coming
The transfer portal has redefined roster construction in college basketball, and Buntz has embraced the challenge. He was tasked with evaluating the previous team’s weaknesses — inconsistent shooting, lack of true point guard play, and a need for better defense and physicality — and addressing them head-on.
Davidson’s offseason approach was clear: get more athletic, defend at a higher level, and find players who could knock down shots with consistency. “Late in the year, our three-point shooting dipped,” he said, pointing to one of the more frustrating trends of last season. That stretch exposed the need for shot-makers and guards who could stay poised under pressure.
Landing a true point guard was also a key priority — someone capable of organizing the offense and bringing stability in late-game situations. From there, it was about adding pieces that could defend across positions, make shots, and raise the team’s competitive edge. Altogether, the moves reflect a deliberate shift toward a tougher, more dynamic identity on both ends of the floor.
Here’s a look at the new Wildcats and why they fit:
- Sam Brown (Penn) – The Ivy League’s leading scorer last season (19.3 PPG, 43% from 3PT in conference play), Brown brings leadership, shot creation, and a high-level feel for the game. The son of NBA coach Brett Brown, he comes with a strong basketball IQ and is ready to lead from day one. “He’s a really high-IQ player,” Buntz said. “He’s also a really special guard that can put up a lot of points.” Brown exploded for 42 points against Columbia on March 1 — the most by a Penn player in 35 years.
- Parker Friedrichsen (Wake Forest) – A knockdown shooter with deep range, Friedrichsen grew up playing point guard and brings more playmaking ability than his shooting label might suggest. Originally recruited by Davidson out of high school, he also has an existing relationship with Stephen Curry. “He shoots the ball as well as anyone,” Buntz said. “People forget — he ran the point most of his life.”
“I think we have a chance to have one of those really special Davidson backcourts,” Buntz said. “That’s always been the recipe for our success.”
- Josh Scovens (Army) – A Second Team All-Patriot League selection, Scovens is a gritty, physical wing who makes his mark through effort plays and toughness. He’s a relentless rebounder and self-described “dirty buckets” guy who embraces doing the little things. Buntz called him “a long and rugged wing — can guard 1 through 5 and is exactly what we’re looking for,” adding, “We’re really excited about Josh.” After two years at West Point, the Greensboro native is coming home — and bringing his edge with him.
- JQ Roberts (Vanderbilt) – A 6’7″ athletic forward who brings SEC size and defensive versatility to Davidson. His character came highly recommended by former Wildcat Grant Huffman, who played alongside him at Vanderbilt. Buntz raves about his upside, calling Roberts “an incredible high-level athlete” and adding, “We believe he can make a huge jump this season. A really fun player.” Throughout the recruiting process, what stood out most — beyond the physical tools — was the universal praise for Roberts as a person.
- RJ Greer (Freshman) – A former NC State commit and top-150 recruit, Greer brings playmaking instincts and scoring punch to the backcourt. During his visit, the staff compared him to a quicker version of Kellan Grady — a high compliment in Davidson circles. Eager to see Greer’s impact, Buntz said, “He can really score — we’re excited to get him on campus.” Greer also comes from strong basketball roots: his father, Ricardo, is currently the associate head coach at Dayton.
- Devin Brown (Freshman) – A state champion from Ohio, Brown arrives with a reputation for toughness, maturity, and winning. Buntz described Brown as a “great athlete” who “can shoot, pass, defend — really versatile.” A decorated player at every level, Brown was named Ohio Capital Conference Player of the Year and earned Second Team All-Ohio honors. Signed back in November, he’ll have a chance to carve out a role early thanks to his all-around game and competitive edge.
- Ian Platteeuw (Freshman) – A skilled seven-footer from Spain, Platteeuw brings the kind of playmaking and versatility Davidson has long valued at the center position. Buntz singled out Platteeuw as “one of the best young European and Spanish prospects” who “fits everything we’re looking for — on the court and culturally. He’s incredibly skilled for his size and has shown great production in international play.”
The excitement is palpable, and Buntz is eager to see the team coalesce. “We are excited to get them here and see how they mesh with the returners. That’s the most fun aspect of it.”
Returning Core Poised to Elevate
While much of the offseason buzz has surrounded Davidson’s new arrivals, they’ll still be asking for significant contribution from a number of returning players.
At the center of that is Sean Logan, who returns for his senior season after missing most of last year due to injury. Before the setback, Logan had emerged as a rim protector with elite timing and presence in the paint. “He would’ve shattered the school’s block record,” Buntz said. “We’re thrilled to get him back. Having a senior big man who knows the system and anchors the defense is huge in our league.”
Sophomore Manie Joses turned heads late last season with his athleticism, defensive instincts, and developing perimeter game. His ceiling remains one of the most intriguing on the roster. Hunter Adam and Roberts Blums return as reliable floor-spacers who’ll be counted on to knock down shots, while Joe Hurlburt gives the frontcourt additional depth and size. Fans will also get their first look at redshirt sophomore Nick Coval, who impressed behind the scenes last year. “Nick would’ve played if he hadn’t redshirted,” Buntz said. “He’s a good player.”
These aren’t just role players — they’re cultural pillars who understand what it means to play at Davidson.
This roster gives Davidson the kind of versatility it hasn’t had in years — defensive switchability, multiple creators on the floor, and the ability to play fast, small, or big depending on matchups. The backcourt depth in particular sets up the Wildcats to spread the floor and score in waves, reminiscent of some of Davidson’s most dynamic modern teams.
The non-conference schedule reflects this belief. The ‘Cats will visit Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 22 to face Kansas — a marquee matchup that calls back to Davidson’s iconic 2008 Elite Eight run. They’ll also compete in the Charleston Classic against two of Utah State, Boston College, or Tulane. Back home, Belk Arena hosts Saint Mary’s, Temple, and Bowling Green, with a regional road trip to Charlotte.
And make no mistake, expectations are high. “We want to win the A-10,” Buntz said. “That’s always the goal. That’s the Davidson standard.”
Rebuilding Belk’s Energy
One of the most important — and often overlooked — drivers of a successful college basketball season is homecourt energy. Davidson fans have seen what Belk Arena can be at its best: packed, loud, and genuinely intimidating. Under Bob McKillop, the Wildcats went an astonishing 8–1 or better in home conference games in seven of his nine A-10 seasons — a testament to how dominant Belk could be when it was truly alive. But in recent years, that edge has faded.
Buntz and the athletic department are working to change that. Not just through giveaways or gimmicks, but through a grassroots effort to re-engage students, alumni, and the broader community. The strategy begins on campus, where players are being encouraged to show up at other events, connect with classmates, and become more visible outside the gym.
“We talked about how our guys need to be in the community more,” Buntz said, “and not just the Davidson community, but the campus community. That’s when you get a special atmosphere in Belk Arena — like with D Block from years past that I’ve heard so much about.”
The belief is simple: when students feel a real connection to the team, they show up — and it changes everything.
“I think being in a student section is a really fun time in college, some of our most supportive long-time donors and fans began as freshmen in the student section when they first got to campus,” he said. “And I think there’s an ownership for students and for fans when you create a special atmosphere. That’s as important as anything, and it truly impacts winning.”
Buntz pointed to last season’s viral moments — like the swim team rallying the crowd from the stands — as a glimpse of what’s possible. He wants more of that. More connection. More presence. More noise.
Behind the scenes, the staff is also upgrading the game-day experience, with improvements coming to hospitality areas and the Fast Break Club. The vision is clear: Belk Arena should feel like the place to be for basketball in Charlotte and Lake Norman.
This season is a chance to reclaim that edge — to make Belk a problem again for opposing teams.
“We think the community is going to really embrace this team,” Buntz said. “The personalities, the style — it’s really exciting. And when Belk is rocking, it makes a real difference.”
Thriving in the New College Basketball Landscape
The collegiate sports world has been fundamentally reshaped by NIL and new revenue-sharing models. While this evolving landscape presents unique challenges, Davidson is embracing the changes with a clear vision and profound optimism.
“I’m excited and optimistic for the changes in the future,” says Buntz. “I know that there are people who question where Davidson maybe fits in this new landscape, but I think we fit in really well. I actually think the opportunity is incredible for a school like Davidson to move up in the hierarchy of college athletics and college basketball.”
This confidence is significantly bolstered by the strategic launch of the Curry Berman Fund, an eight-figure gift from NBA All-Star Stephen Curry ’10, his wife, Ayesha, and the Berman family. This pivotal fund provides a critical starting point for Davidson to compete in this transformed era, allowing the college to directly opt into the NCAA’s landmark House settlement revenue-sharing model and offer structured, transparent NIL support.
Davidson’s approach is defined by adapting without compromising its unique identity. “We’re adapting to this new landscape, but we’re also not backing down from who we are either as a school and who we are as a basketball program,” Buntz emphasizes. “You’re coming here to be a Davidson student, and your Davidson degree, it truly matters. It truly matters. I genuinely believe that.”
The success of this distinctive path hinges on broad community support. “We’re so grateful to the Curry family and the Berman family for their support and the new Curry Berman fund,” Buntz states, “but we need more supporters to jump on board as well. This new landscape takes a village.”
Final Thoughts
In 45 minutes with Buntz, one thing came through loud and clear: he gets it. He knows the stakes. He believes in the mission. And he’s all in on building something lasting at Davidson.
“This isn’t just a team,” he told me. “It’s a family. Everyone’s a part of this.”
That includes fans. Whether you’re a longtime donor, a first-year student, or someone who wandered into Belk Arena out of curiosity, Buntz wants you to feel connected.
“As a fan, you can truly get to know our players and coaches,” he said. “We’re accessible, we care, and we’re building something you can be proud to be part of.”
Davidson Basketball may look different in this new era. But the values haven’t changed. And neither has the belief.
As always, it’s a great day to be a Wildcat.