UNC Basketball: This Tar Heels commit set a new scoring record

This UNC basketball commit just set a new high school scoring record

The North Carolina men’s basketball program is in the midst of what will likely be remembered as the worst of any of Roy Williams’ first 17 seasons as head coach in Chapel Hill. And even though the Tar Heels’ downward spiraling season is difficult to watch, there are brighter days on the horizon; namely, their 2020 recruiting class that ranks third in the nation.

North Carolina boasts three 5-star prospects in the class, and five players in the top-60 of the 247Sports Composite. The group of incoming freshmen is highlighted by 5-stars Day’Ron Sharpe, Walker Kessler and Caleb Love, a trio that’s likely to receive substantial playing time in year one with the Tar Heels.

More than just star-power, though, the Tar Heels’ recruiting class offers a pair of other commits that are terrific scorers, and project as multiple-year players at the college level. One of those players, in particular, possesses a skill set that Williams’ current UNC roster would definitely benefit from.

R.J. Davis, a 5-foot-11, 164-pound combo guard out of White Plains, New York, is not only a tremendous shooter, but a capable ball handler as well. That’s something that North Carolina, whose current back court is either injured or largely inexperienced, could use a lot of right now. Even though star freshman Cole Anthony won’t be back next season, the Tar Heels will likely — and thankfully — return freshman guards Jeremiah Francis and Anthony Harris.

With that pair in tow, and the incoming tandem of Love and Davis, North Carolina’s back court looks to be much stronger and deeper next season. Not to mention their front court, which will potentially return a senior Garrison Brooks, a sophomore Armando Bacot and the aforementioned pair of 5-star pledges (Sharpe, Kessler) that arrive on campus in the fall.

Back to Davis, though, who recently shot his way into Westchester County royalty when he scored his 2,120th point in a game against Rutgers Prep in the Empire Invitational at Mount St. Michael. Despite being on the losing end of the game, Davis’ 32-point performance pushed him past the former record-holder, Danya Abrams, who’d held the top spot since 1993.

Davis’ ability to shoot, score, drive and create offense, as well as give his team a dependable alternative option at point guard, will be invaluable to the Tar Heels next year, and moving forward. And while he may not get a ton of minutes in year one at North Carolina — as he’ll have to earn playing time against Love, Francis and Harris for starters — look for him to play a pivotal role in seasons to come.

Davis is ranked No. 58 overall in the 247Sports Composite for 2020. He’s the eighth-ranked player at his position, and the No. 2 prospect from the state of New York.

Stick with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on North Carolina commit R.J. Davis, and everything UNC basketball.