Coach Stan Laws, who last winter handled day-to-day operations for Mansion's basketball team until a late-season fallout with the principal, Lois Powell Mondesire, said Newbill was a highly stalked prospect - roughly 20 offers - when the recruiting process reopened.
Laws accompanied Newbill and Davis, who starred last season for Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla., on an official visit to Southern Miss that began last Sunday.
"DJ liked the environment and the campus, and the interaction he had with the coaches," Laws said. "He liked the players, too.
"They have some problems with illness and injury. They told DJ they're going to move him to point guard, and that he'll be fortunate enough to challenge for the starting job right away. They want to put the ball in his hands. DJ's ready to roll."
Milwaukee might not have been that big of an adjustment for someone from Philly. But how about Hattiesburg, Miss.?
"He'll be fine," Laws said. "He never wanted to be in the city anyway. I know people might perceive Hattiesburg to be much different, but when we were down there I kept thinking it reminded me of King of Prussia, or even Villanova."
Attempts to reach Newbill were unsuccessful. Laws said DJ and his family remain hurt by the Marquette experience, but prefer to look nowhere but forward.
Of the local schools, Laws said Drexel pursued Newbill the hardest. La Salle wanted him to redshirt, Laws added, while Temple also inquired.
Davis signed with Morehead while at Mansion, but never played there. He was on campus for one semester, but could not meet the school's request, Laws said, to reach a certain weight before suiting up. He transferred to Redlands, regrouped, and this past season earned All-Region honors.
Davis caught Southern Miss' eye at a recent showcase event for JC players. He mentioned Newbill to the coaching staff (though Laws said the wheels were already turning) and the Golden Eagles wound up pursuing both players, hard.
Davis must pass two more summer school classes to earn his JC degree.
"What happened at Morehead was my fault," he said. "I couldn't blame anyone but myself. Now I just keep pushing hard and everything's working out.
"Southern Miss' interest is kind of brand new. Everything happened fast, and I'm glad it did. On our visit down there, DJ and I were staying in the same hotel room. We both liked the situation at the school and we got along great with each other. We both said, 'This is where I want to be.' Now we'll be rooming together."
