UNC Basketball: R.J. Davis wins New York’s highest hoops honor
UNC basketball signee R.J. Davis named Mr. Basketball in the state of New York
University of North Carolina signee and Archbishop Stepinac combo guard R.J. Davis has been named Mr. Basketball in the state of New York for 2020 by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York. Davis becomes the first player from Stepinac to win the award, and was joined on the girl’s side by Kateri Poole of South Shore High School.
It’s just the latest in a series of honors for Davis this season that includes invites to the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic and the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic. He put up some gaudy numbers during his senior season, and became Westchester County’s all-time leading scorer. That’s particularly impressive considering that Davis — who’s now ranked No. 54 in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite — was the 250th-ranked recruit in the nation just 18 months ago.
He averaged 26.5 points, eight rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game in becoming one of the country’s premier back court prospects. Once a largely overlooked and little-thought-about guard from the Northeast, Davis has shown coaches and scouts his elite abilities on the basketball court this season, including an offensive prowess matched by very few players in the nation.
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Davis is a good ball handler that can drive the lane with speed and efficiency. He’s good at creating his own offense, and setting up teammates to get theirs. He’s got quickness in the open court, and on the fast break, and can hit shots from all over the court. He’s also a good rebounder for a guard of his size. He gets to the free throw line often, and converts a high percentage of his shots there.
Given the current makeup of the Tar Heels’ roster, Davis has a chance to immediately jump into the starting lineup. He’d give North Carolina another terrific scoring option to go along with sensational incoming freshman point guard Caleb Love, and soon-to-be senior big man Garrison Brooks. He also adds depth to a position that the Tar Heels saw riddled with injuries last season.
dark. Next. Where does 247Sports rank the 2021 Tar Heels?
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