Hofstra’s Cruz Davis savors March Madness return as one of many notable players from one-bid leagues

FILE - Hofstra guard Cruz Davis dribbles down court during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Nov. 22, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, file) FILE - Hofstra guard Cruz Davis dribbles down court during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Nov. 22, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, file)

By STEVE MEGARGEE / AP Sports Writer March 16, 2026 5 min read

Cruz Davis’ only previous taste of March Madness came three years and two transfers ago.

The Hofstra guard can’t wait to get back on college basketball’s biggest stage in more of a starring role.

Davis leads Hofstra into the NCAA Tournament as the Coastal Athletic Association player of the year. Hofstra (24-10) is the No. 13 seed in the Midwest Region and faces Alabama (23-9) in a first-round game Friday at Tampa, Florida.

This will mark his first time playing in the NCAA Tournament since getting eight minutes off the bench for Iona against eventual national champion UConn in 2023.

“Don’t take that time for granted,” Davis said. “You don’t understand how hard it is to get back in the tournament. It’s really a grind to be able to get in there. Getting in there is a blessing.”