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By Samuel Peters
In Antigua and Barbuda’s basketball, the Davis name represents excellence spanning generations. At the heart of this legacy are Mahijah Davis, a former national player turned coach and academy founder, and his son Tajahron Davis, a rising star already making waves in both school and league basketball.
After his playing career in the United States, Mahijah Davis returned to Antigua with a mission. In 2007, he established the Mahijah Davis Basketball Academy (MDBA), recognizing a troubling gap in youth development.
“In the US you see a lot of great talent, and for a while I haven’t seen any outstanding young athletes coming to the States, so I decided to come back home and try to give back,” Davis explains.
Now in its 19th year, the academy teaches basketball at an “institutionalized level,” providing young players with a deeper understanding of the game than traditionally available in the region. The approach has already produced results, with former participant Craig Massiah now playing high school basketball in the United States.
Tajahron Davis, a student at Clare Hall Secondary School who plays for the Ojays Ovals, has become one of the most talked-about players in both school and the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association leagues. This year, he successfully transitioned from scholastic basketball to competing in the ABBA league.
“He’s been a big impact since I was young; he had me driven into basketball,” Tajahron says of his father’s influence. When asked about his breakthrough year, he credits one factor: “Discipline. I just, being a dog, anybody that talks to me, I just keep with the outside noise. I just do what I know I can do.”
Being the son of a former national player brings unique pressures. Tajahron carries not just his father’s legacy but also that of his uncle, Axel Davis, another accomplished player. “It’s a lot to handle. Everybody wants me to be the best and it’s sometimes a little hard to pass your parents but I believe I can do it,” he admits.
Rather than being intimidated, Tajahron embraces these expectations as motivation. His goal isn’t just to reach the national team level—he wants to surpass both his father and uncle’s achievements.
Mahijah’s approach to developing his son’s resilience extends beyond technical skills. Playing in the ABBA Division Two League, Tajahron sometimes faces hard physical play from opponents who can’t match his skill level.
“Sometimes they don’t know how to guard him, and so they kind of play him dirty sometimes,” Mahijah observes.
His presence at games provides crucial support, encouraging his son to “play a little bit harder” and “show this other level of that game”. This hands-on mentorship helps Tajahron navigate adversity both on and off the court.
For the Davis family, basketball and education are inseparable. Mahijah emphasizes that players must “learn how to read plays, dissect plays” and develop deep game understanding. This philosophy becomes critical as Tajahron prepares for high school in the United States, where academic performance directly impacts athletic eligibility.
“If you’re not doing any education or schoolwork in the States, you’re not going to be able to play basketball,” Mahijah explains, highlighting the importance of maintaining academic standards while pursuing athletic excellence.
As Tajahron prepares for American high school basketball, his primary goal remains becoming a professional player. However, he’s prepared with alternatives: “If that doesn’t work out, I’ll probably do what my dad did, coach or something.”
The MDBA continues developing young talent, with plans for tournaments featuring regional competitors. This ongoing commitment ensures the Davis legacy extends far beyond one family’s success.
The most powerful aspect of their relationship is the consistent support that characterizes their bond. When asked about receiving affirmation from his father, Tajahron reveals its deep impact: “Hearing that motivates me more to push, because not everybody has a father.”
This mature understanding of his privilege drives Tajahron’s determination. He recognizes that having an engaged, supportive father provides advantages not all young athletes enjoy.
The Davis family story represents more than athletic achievement—it’s a testament to mentorship, community investment, and multi-generational excellence. As Tajahron continues his basketball journey and Mahijah maintains his commitment to youth development, their legacy serves as inspiration throughout Antigua and Barbuda and beyond. In a world where young athletes often lack proper guidance, the Davis approach to balancing athletics, education, and character development provides a model worth pursuing.
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