LHS coach Davis tickled with role for CBS

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team wasn’t the only group on top of its game Saturday.

For those who saw the pregame video-enhanced graphics detailing the Jayhawks’ fast break, that was Chris Davis’ ‘A’ game.

Turns out the Lawrence High boys’ basketball coach, who is working the Final Four for CBS, also saved his best stuff for New Orleans, much like KU in its 94-61 victory against Marquette.

“That was the best stuff we did all year,” Davis said Sunday from New Orleans. “The producer came over and he said it was some of the best stuff we ever had.”

Davis, who used to run a production company called “Coaches’ Edge,” which used computer graphics to break down offenses and defenses, is working his sixth Final Four for CBS.

After the Lions’ season ended in early March, he worked the Big 10 Tournament and traveled to NCAA Tournament sites to prepare graphics for CBS.

Of course, getting to watch KU in the Final Four has been an added treat this year.

Not only does he get an up-close look, but also it helps when he’s preparing packages for publication.

“It is easier to do those games because I’ve been watching the Jayhawks for so long,” Davis said. “It makes it easier to chose what kind of strategy we’re going to use when we’re producing the segment.”

When it comes to tonight’s championship game against Syracuse, Davis will detail the Orangemen’s 2-3 zone or break down isolation plays they run for Carmelo Anthony, the team’s leading scorer.

Commercials and war coverage have limited some of the in-game graphics CBS uses, so most of the work has been featured in the pregame segments. When coverage begins at 8 tonight, keep an eye out for his handiwork.

“When you see graphic-enhanced video, chances are it’s us,” Davis said.