Bronx, N.Y. – Recently graduated Fordham women's basketball standout
G'mrice Davis wrapped up her career in the Bronx as the school's fourth all-time leading scorer and second all-time leading rebounder, signed a preseason training camp deal with the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, and then signed her first professional contract with GAS Kalyvion of the Greek A1 League. Davis has immediately found success abroad, leading the league in both scoring and rebounding, and Fordham Athletics caught up with the rising international star to see how she is settling into life abroad.
Through seven rounds of the league season, Kalyvion sits fourth with a 4-3 record. The top four teams make the year-end playoffs. Davis is averaging 18.1 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. She was just recently named Player of the Week by Eurobasket.com.
What has been your favorite aspect of living in Greece?
Being able to learn a new culture.
Do you have a favorite Greek dish?
My favorite by far is their lamb chops. They are like nothing I've ever tasted. I'm also in love with Greek salad now, which I had never tasted before moving to Greece.
What do you do in your down time?
I sleep a lot! We have plenty of free time. I explore the small town of Kalyvia, where I live, and I go to different restaurants and try new things. I've also been able to travel into the city of Athens and do some sightseeing, as well. Greece has some of the most beautiful views.
How are you integrating within the team and your community?
It was tough at first. Now that I know what is expected of me and I've had time to adjust to Greek culture everything is good. We have a lot of loyal fans, I get along well with my teammates and coaches, and I'm really starting to find my place here.
How many of your teammates/coaches speak fluent English?
Everyone on the team speaks a good amount of English, except my head coach and trainer, which can make things tough sometimes when things get lost in translation!
Has it been difficult living abroad? Had you traveled far outside the country before besides with Fordham?
I had not traveled outside of the country before the foreign tour with Fordham. It has not been as hard as I thought it would be. Everyone is wonderful in helping us adjust and we have a lot of freedom.
What is the European/Greek game like compared to playing at the DI level?
It's a lot different playing against girls who have been playing professionally for years, it's tough. The biggest difference is that we aren't spoiled how we were in college and resources are very limited when it comes to lifting and getting certain treatments for your body to recover. You're on your own with a lot of things.
How did it feel to earn your first Player of the Week award so early into your professional career?
I was shocked! I didn't even know I had won it until the week after. The team isn't big on celebrating personal achievements, so I looked up our league on Eurobasket and that's how I found out. I was proud of myself and seeing the work I had been putting in paying off.
How did your time at Fordham prepare you for the success you're currently experiencing abroad?
I will always say the biggest thing Fordham has taught me didn't come from the actual game of basketball. Fordham taught me how to handle adversity while still taking care of business, to make the best out of situations and build great relationships.
Is there anything, or has there been anyone, since you left school that has helped you improve your game?
Once I left school, I knew that I would really have to focus. I joined a lift routine with other athletes that were going pro three times a week while also getting my individual workouts four times a week. I knew that I wanted to make a statement in Greece, so I worked extremely hard after graduating to make that happen.
