After playing college basketball at the University of Houston from 1969 to 1972, Davis was selected as the 3rd overall pick of 1972 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As a sophomore in 1969–1970, Davis averaged 19.9 points and 10.3 rebounds as Houston finished 25–5 and advanced to the 1970 NCAA University Division basketball tournament.

[5] Davis earned a BS degree from Houston and is a member of the Bauer Business School Circle of Honor.

[10] The next season he played in just 33 games with 4.8 point and 2.9 rebound averages, as he suffered a career ending injury.

[6][14] Davis is the past chair, vice-chair and served on the board of directors for the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) from 2014 – 2018.