ESPN SHOCKER: UNC STARS SHOW OUT! R.J. Davis and Armando Bacot didn’t just participate in the NBA Summer League — they took it over. In a dazzling display of poise, power, and pure Tar Heel swagger, the former North Carolina standouts lit up courts in Las Vegas, silencing doubters and proving once again why UNC is a factory for elite-level talent.
From deep three-point daggers to dominating double-doubles, Davis and Bacot showed they’re not just college legends — they’re future NBA contributors ready to carve their own lane in the pros.
—
R.J. Davis: The Scoring Machine with Ice in His Veins
R.J. Davis, the fearless floor general from White Plains, New York, played like a man possessed. Always known for his killer instinct and quick-trigger release at North Carolina, Davis translated his scoring prowess effortlessly to the Summer League stage.
In multiple games, Davis torched defenders with 20+ point performances, sinking step-back threes and weaving through traffic with dazzling handles. His confidence was contagious, his poise unmistakable. One game, he even notched seven assists to go with 22 points, showcasing the all-around development that NBA scouts have been watching closely.
“He’s got that toughness, that chip,” said one scout. “R.J. plays with heart and focus. He doesn’t get rattled. That’s exactly what you want in a lead guard.”
More than just buckets, Davis showed leadership. He talked on defense. He controlled tempo. And when the game was on the line, he wanted the ball in his hands — just like he did in Chapel Hill.
—
Armando Bacot: The Beast of the Boards Continues His Reign
Meanwhile, Armando Bacot, UNC’s all-time double-double king, reminded everyone why he was a force in college basketball for five straight years. Wearing his familiar no-nonsense scowl, Bacot brought brute force and finesse to the Summer League paint.
In one jaw-dropping performance, Bacot pulled down 14 rebounds and added 18 points, dominating the post with a mix of soft touches, putbacks, and powerful finishes. He ran the floor like a seasoned vet, set punishing screens, and anchored his team’s defense.
“He’s a grown man down there,” one coach quipped. “You don’t move Bacot. He moves you.”
Beyond his stats, what truly impressed NBA personnel was Bacot’s maturity and professionalism. He boxed out with precision, rotated defensively with purpose, and showed a deeper understanding of spacing and pick-and-roll action — signs of his readiness for the next level.
—
Tar Heel DNA Still Reigns Supreme
Davis and Bacot’s performances sent a strong message to the NBA and college basketball world: North Carolina still breeds ballers. In an era where bluebloods are questioned and college stardom doesn’t guarantee pro success, these two Tar Heels are breaking the mold.
And their chemistry? Still undeniable.
Whether it was Davis feeding Bacot in the pick-and-roll or both hyping each other from the bench, the Carolina connection was alive and well under the Summer League lights.
“I’ve played with ‘Mando for years,” Davis said postgame. “We know each other’s game inside out. It’s always love.”
—
What’s Next?
Both Davis and Bacot have made strong cases to stick on NBA rosters or secure two-way contracts. Their Summer League flashes turned heads, and with continued development, they could become valuable rotation players in the league.
But perhaps even more importantly, their success in Las Vegas shows that staying in college, staying loyal, and grinding every season still pays off.
They were stars in Chapel Hill. Now, they’re chasing bigger dreams — together.
And for Tar Heel Nation? It’s a proud reminder that once you bleed Carolina blue, you shine wherever you go.
