UNC Basketball Summer Preview: RJ Davis

There’s still plenty of time before the actual season tips off but Carolina’s 2024-25 roster has really shaped up since the Heels’ sweet sixteen loss to Alabama. With two open scholarships, Hubert Davis still has the opportunity to do work in the portal, but we at least have a solid idea of what this team will look like, and there’s plenty to be optimistic about. With that being said, we’ll jump into our summer player previews with none other than reigning ACC Player of the Year, RJ Davis.

Obviously significant regardless, the decision by Davis to return for a fifth season is massive considering the loss of top shooting threats Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan. If it weren’t already a given, Davis’ tough shooting night against the Tide surely provided some motivation to come back and end things on a higher note. He certainly wasn’t the reason the Heels lost that game but it would’ve been difficult to see RJ go out that way given how reliable and consistent he’d been, not just that season but for all of four years. Ultimately, it’s a learning experience for Davis as well as the coaching staff, who perhaps placed a little too much pressure on one player.

Last year, Davis averaged 21.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 42.8% from the field, 39.8% from three, and 87.3% from the free throw line. Not only did he receive ACC POY honors, but he was also an AP First-Team All-American. Despite being one of, if not Carolina’s best player throughout his first three seasons, Davis took another step forward, establishing himself as one of the toughest players in the country to defend. His steadiness, leadership, and elite scoring ability are a big reason why the Heels were able to sweep Duke and win the ACC regular season title.

It’s hard to imagine Davis replicating those numbers this coming season, but hopefully he won’t have to. Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau are both returning and the Heels are adding Belmont sharpshooter Cade Tyson and a couple electric freshmen in Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. Thus, there should be no shortage of options to score the basketball. Still, Davis figures to be the go-to option once again so the challenge will be figuring out how to manage his usage.

A big part of what makes Davis so valuable is his ability to work off a screen and find an open shot. However, there were too many situations last year in which Davis was expected to generate something on his own when he didn’t necessarily have to. The presence of Jackson should help in that regard as he’s someone with elite athleticism who can create off the dribble. Ultimately, it comes down to a focus on moving the ball around and getting guys, especially Davis, their best shots.

What I’m maybe most excited about is getting to witness year two of the Davis-Cadeau backcourt. Cadeau’s team-first mentality and elite play-making contributed greatly to Davis’ historic season. Additionally, Davis’ reliability and veteran presence allowed Cadeau to adjust to the college game without too much pressure. The duo presented matchup problems for teams across the country and with another offseason for both to work and continue getting comfortable playing together, the sky is the limit.

Regardless of what this team ultimately looks like, the presence of a player like Davis gives them a high floor. He will already go down as one of the Tar Heel greats but his story is still being written. With a more than capable supporting cast, prepare for another fun season in Chapel Hill.