Most Courageous is cancer survivor

Kelvin Davis, a San Diego State senior, has been named the 2009 recipient of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's Most Courageous Award.

Davis

Davis will donate a $1,000 check to a charity or scholarship fund.

"I'm humbled to have been selected for this honor," said Davis, who has appeared in eight games this season for the Aztecs and has averaged 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.4 minutes. "I want to thank the USBWA for recognizing me and the Aztec basketball program."

San Diego State coach Steve Fisher said, "He is a great example of what a person should be. He's been through a rough stretch but there was never a whimper out of Kelvin. He's out there every day, working hard. He's an inspiration to all of us."

A 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Waterbury, Conn., Davis was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma last spring. However, he was able to overcome the cancer and returned to the Aztecs while still undergoing his chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Davis' saga began last spring when he felt fatigued while playing. Originally, it was thought he may be coming down with mononucleosis. However, there was a lump developing on Davis' neck. He knew about it but he didn't say anything because he didn't want to jeopardize his spot on the team.

His condition grew worse, and a trip to the doctor revealed Davis had cancer. He underwent a series of 12 chemotherapy treatments over a five-month span. He was still undergoing his treatment when fall practice began, and it wasn't unusual to see Davis arrive straight from the doctor to the gym and spend the last 20 minutes in drills. "I never felt sorry for myself because I 'd see people who were a whole lot worse than me," Davis said. "Plus, the doctors said I had a good chance to beat it."

Davis originally started his college career at Texas- El Paso, then transferred to College of Southern Idaho before moving on to San Diego State in 2007. He appeared in 18 games during the 2007-08 season, averaging 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds.

He was expected to see more minutes as a senior before he took ill late last spring. He is contemplating petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.