UNC Basketball's RJ Davis named one of four Naismith Trophy Finalists

RJ Davis is one step closer to potentially earning one of the most prestigious honors in all of college basketball.

The 2023-24 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and the star of the UNC basketball program is among four finalists nationally for the 2024 Naismith Trophy, the award that is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball.

Throughout the season Davis has earned his spot on the list, as the format is similar to what we see in NCAA Tournament play. As the season progresses, the list gets shorter, as Davis is now one of just four players that are still in the mix.

Davis is the lone ACC player to make the final cut. The Tar Heels' guard is joined by Purdue's Zach Edey, Tennessee's Dalton Knecht, and Houston's Jamal Shead on the list of finalists.

The White Plains, New York native put together a senior season to remember, as he led the UNC Basketball program to a 25-6 season and the ACC regular season title.

Overall, Davis led the ACC in scoring, averaging 21.1 points per game. He put together some memorable games this past season, including a 36-point effort against Wake Forest and a 42-point outing against Miami. The 42 points that Davis scored against the Hurricanes set a new single-game record for points by a Tar Heel at the Dean Smith Center, passing Tyler Hansbrough's original mark of 40.

Not only has Davis been one of the most effective scorers in the country, but he's been getting it done on the defensive side of the ball as well. He put an emphasis on his defense, as he played a large role in the Tar Heels being one of the top defensive teams in the country, especially early on in the season.

The 2024 Naismith Trophy Men's Player of the Year will be announced on Sunday, April 7, at the Naismith Awards Brunch during the Final Four in Phoenix. Hopefully, the UNC basketball program will be set to compete for a national title the following day.