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UNC Basketball: R.J. Davis’ stock trending up after spectacular week

By Bryce Wolaver

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 27: RJ Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-point basket against the Saint Augustine Falcons during the first half of their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on October 27, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 27: RJ Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-point basket against the Saint Augustine Falcons during the first half of their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on October 27, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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UNC basketball standout R.J. Davis has established himself as not only one of the best guards in the ACC, but in the country as a whole. 

When the preseason All-ACC teams were announced, R.J. Davis of the UNC basketball program’s name was nowhere to be found. Davis averaged 16 points while shooting 44% from the field during the 2022 season, which was impressive considering the team had a down year.

After struggling to find his shot at the beginning of the season, Davis has taken off. Since traveling to the Bahamas on November 22, Davis has averaged 24 points per game on 44% shooting from the field and 39% from three-point range. His most notable game was on November 24 against Arkansas where he scored 30 points in an 87-72 victory. His performance in the Bahamas earned him ACC Co-Player of the Week honors on November 27.

Davis has typically flown under the radar throughout his career. More people are starting to recognize his name after his 26-point performance in Madison Square Garden against the reigning national champions. Jamie Shaw of On3 Sports released a list of 10 players who have improved their stock this season, a list that includes Davis

Davis is a native of White Plains, New York, and you can see that New York intensity every time he plays. He is a smaller guard who can get to his spot on the court at any time, and he can shoot the lights out. Davis is a product of the old-school UNC basketball transition game, and he can fly up and down the court with immense control. Don’t let his stature fool you, as he’s known for finishing around the basket with contact. Davis can also cash in from the free throw line, as he’s shooting 95% from the line.

With the addition of Elliot Cadeau, Davis has had to adjust a bit. He usually plays point guard, but with Cadeau shining early, Davis has taken more of an off-the-ball role. He’s had little to no problem adjusting, and he should be in the mix for the Jerry West Award given to the best shooting guard in the country.

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