BREAKING NEWS: RJ Davis Wins 2025 Jerry West Award
In a season defined by grit, leadership, and relentless scoring, North Carolina senior RJ Davis has etched his name into college basketball history by winning the 2025 Jerry West Award. Presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the award honors the top shooting guard in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. Davis, a cornerstone of the Tar Heels’ resurgence this season, becomes the first North Carolina player to receive the prestigious honor since its inception in 2015.
The 6’0″ guard from White Plains, New York, led the Tar Heels to a 29-5 regular season record, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His senior campaign was nothing short of spectacular, marked by a series of high-octane performances that thrilled Chapel Hill and captivated the nation. Known for his quick first step, deep range, and fearless drives to the rim, Davis also took on a more vocal leadership role, mentoring younger teammates and acting as the emotional engine of the squad.
RJ Davis’ standout moment came in mid-February against Duke, when he dropped a career-high 36 points in front of a raucous Dean Smith Center crowd. With scouts, analysts, and NBA executives watching, Davis went 12-of-18 from the field and 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, reminding everyone why he was once a five-star recruit and now a player who defines the heart and soul of Tar Heel basketball.
“This award isn’t just about me,” Davis said during the award ceremony. “It’s about every teammate, coach, and family member who believed in me. I’ve worked for this moment my entire life, and I’m beyond grateful.”
His performance in the ACC Tournament only cemented his legacy, where he averaged 25 points per game en route to UNC’s title run. His on-court intelligence, shot-making under pressure, and defensive tenacity drew comparisons to past greats like Ray Allen and Bradley Beal — fitting for a player receiving an award named after “Mr. Clutch” himself, Jerry West.
The selection committee praised Davis not only for his statistical dominance but also for his consistency and leadership throughout the season. “RJ Davis exemplifies everything the Jerry West Award stands for — excellence, character, and competitive fire,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “His ability to elevate his team while maintaining individual brilliance made him the clear choice this year.”
As Davis prepares for what many expect to be a late-first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, his collegiate legacy is secure. He leaves UNC as one of the most decorated guards in recent memory, finishing top-five in school history for career three-pointers and scoring.
From Tobacco Road to the national spotlight, RJ Davis has become a modern Tar Heel legend — and now, officially, the top shooting guard in America.
