UNC basketball guard RJ Davis took to social media on Wednesday morning to announce his decision to return for a fifth season with the Tar Heels.
In his announcement, Davis simply stated, “I’m back.”
Davis, who earned ACC Player of the Year honors and secured a spot on the first-team All-American roster during his senior season, led the ACC in scoring with an average of 21.2 points per game while shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc.
Notably, Davis became the first Tar Heel to clinch the prestigious Jerry West Award, an annual accolade presented by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to recognize the nation’s top shooting guard. Sharing further insights into his decision, Davis elaborated in a YouTube video posted in the early hours of Wednesday.
“This is a tough decision, you know, one that you really want to make sure you get right,” Davis reflected in the video. “I know all the old jokes are coming, but I gotta put that out there because it doesn’t really faze me.”
Davis, who will turn 23 in October, showcased his scoring prowess with a career-high seven three-pointers against Miami on February 26, a game in which he set the all-time record for points scored at the Smith Center with 42.
With Davis’s return, UNC basketball looks poised for a strong 2024-25 season, with the Tar Heels likely to be considered among the favorites for the national championship. Davis’s decision adds depth and experience to the team’s backcourt, alongside fellow returnee Seth Trimble and incoming freshman Ian Jackson.
While the Tar Heels have bolstered their roster with transfers like Cade Tyson from Belmont, filling the gaps left by departing players like Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram remains a priority. UNC is reportedly eyeing potential additions from the transfer portal, including Cliff Omoruyi from Rutgers and Adou Thiero from Kentucky, to strengthen their frontcourt presence.
With Davis leading the charge, UNC basketball fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season, as they aim to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in college basketball.
