Anthony Davis: Growth Spurt Is Reason for Kentucky Star's Likely No. 1 Status

Anthony Davis is a really tall guy who is likely to become the No. 1 draft pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, but he hasn't always towered over the competition. 

According to a recent report by ESPN.com's Andy Katz, Davis was a 6'3" shooting guard as a junior with no thought of becoming the player he is today a little more than two years ago. 

Then, he grew seven inches in his senior year at Perspectives Charter High, started playing ball for an AAU team called Mean Streets and started getting noticed.

My, how things change when you go from 6'3" to 6'10". 

Even Davis has a hard time getting his head around it, per Katz:

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"I wouldn't have believed you," said Davis as he sat in the library at his high school the week of the NBA's pre-draft camp earlier this month. "It just came natural -- all at once, being a champion, growing, being the No. 1 draft pick, I would have never believed it all. It's just been a blessing from God."

"

Davis was a sweet shooter before he grew to become the monster in the post he is today, according to Katz's report, and his transition wasn't an easy one. But there's no doubting his natural abilities as a big man these days, and his ability to shoot will only make him more dangerous against the pros in the NBA.

This story reminds me of Michael Jordan, before he became legendary. He wasn't good enough to play for his high school's varsity team as a sophomore, at 5'10", though the legend of him being cut has since been debunked, according to SI.com.

Then, Jordan grew eight inches and became the GOAT.

Now, I'm not saying Davis is going to rival Jordan as a pro. It's possible, but basketball is a fickle game in which the players can be one unlucky step away from a career-ending injury.

I am saying that sometimes the unexpected things in life can lead to greatness, as Davis is proving thus far.

It won't be long now before we know where Davis lands in the 2012 NBA draft, so stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all the latest NBA news, updates and analysis.

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