Anthony Davis was born on March 11, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois—not Carlinville, as sometimes misstated. Raised alongside two sisters, Davis attended Perspectives Charter School in Chicago, where he began showcasing his athletic potential. Although the school wasn’t known for its athletic program, Davis’ exceptional height and agility made him stand out early in his basketball journey.

During high school, he experienced a remarkable growth spurt, reportedly growing about 10 inches between his sophomore and senior years. This sudden change transformed him from a guard to a dominant forward and center, combining height with guard-like quickness. His hard work, skill development, and participation in tournaments eventually led to national recognition.

After high school, Davis attended the University of Kentucky for the 2011–2012 season. Under Coach John Calipari, Davis had a stellar freshman year, where he earned honors such as National Player of the Year and helped lead the team to an NCAA championship. Following that success, he declared for the NBA Draft after just one season.