R.J. Davis, a formidable force on the court, has solidified his name as a prominent figure in American college basketball. Born on October 21, 2001, this young athlete's journey from Archbishop Stepinac High School to the acclaimed North Carolina Tar Heels of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is nothing short of inspiring.
Davis has decided to return to Tar Heels for his fifth and final season of college basketball after winning the ACC Player of the Year as a senior last year. He saw a few high-scoring games during the 2023-24 season like when he posted a career-high 36 points in a win over Wake Forest. His extraordinary season saw him earn the Jerry West Award given to the top shooting guard in the nation.
R.J. Davis College Career
Regarded as a four-star recruit initially, Davis's prowess on the court caught the attention of several prestigious college basketball programs. Despite being ranked 197th by 247Sports initially, Davis's meteoric rise in rankings placed him at No. 43 in the Class of 2020 by ESPN. Ultimately, in October 2019, Davis committed to joining the North Carolina Tar Heels, opting for Chapel Hill over notable institutions such as Georgetown, Marquette, and Pittsburgh.
As a freshman for the Tar Heels, Davis exhibited promise, averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Team. Davis made significant strides in his sophomore year, being an integral part of the "Iron Five" starting lineup that propelled North Carolina to an unforgettable run to the 2022 Final Four. Last season, Davis posted a career-high 36 points in a game against Wake Forest and was named ACC Player of the Year. He also became the first player in the program's history to win the Jerry West Award.
How much did R.J. Davis average in College?
In his freshman season with the program, Davis appeared in 29 games and concluded the year with 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. The following year as a sophomore, he played in every game and averaged 13.5 points and 3.6 assists. Last season as a senior, Davis saw his points average balloon up to a career-high 21.2 points and 1.2 assists per game.
Where did R.J. Davis go to School?
Davis's high school tenure at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, New York, was marked by an exceptional display of talent. Despite a setback due to an injury in his sophomore year, Davis showcased immense skill, leading the Crusaders to several victories, including the CHSAA city championship and the New York State Federation championship. His junior and senior years were even more remarkable, where he earned accolades like The Journal News Westchester/Putnam Player of the Year, cementing his status as a standout player in New York basketball history. Davis was also honored with the Gatorade High School Player of the Year in New York in 2020 after averaging 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.1 steals through 27 games.
FAQs on R.J. Davis
A. Davis led his team to championship victories including the CHSAA city championship and the New York State Federation championship, earning accolades like The Journal News Westchester/Putnam Player of the Year, establishing himself as a standout in New York basketball.
A. Davis showed promise as a freshman, averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, earning a spot on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Team.
A. Davis's career-high 30-point performance against Baylor during the NCAA Tournament solidified his place in Tar Heels' basketball history, contributing significantly to the team's success.
A. R.J. Davis was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.
A. Robert and Venessa Davis are the parents of R.J. Davis.