RJ Davis Makes History: Wins 2025 Jerry West Award as Best Shooting Guard in College Basketball
In a defining moment for college basketball, RJ Davis, the senior guard from the University of North Carolina, has officially been named the winner of the 2025 Jerry West Award, recognizing him as the top shooting guard in men’s college basketball. This prestigious honor, awarded annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cements Davis’s place among the elite in the sport and marks a major milestone in what has been a phenomenal college career.
A Season to Remember
Davis’s senior season at UNC was nothing short of spectacular. Night after night, he showcased a complete offensive arsenal, combining deadly shooting, sharp playmaking, and tough perimeter defense. He averaged over 21 points per game, shot better than 42% from beyond the arc, and consistently delivered in clutch moments, often carrying the Tar Heels in tight games.
But it wasn’t just the stats that impressed voters — it was his leadership. Davis became the emotional and strategic anchor for a resurgent North Carolina squad. With his poise, composure, and relentless work ethic, he not only lifted his teammates but also reignited the competitive fire that UNC basketball is known for.
The Jerry West Award
Named after NBA legend Jerry West, whose silhouette is immortalized as the NBA’s logo, this award is one of five positional honors given annually to the best players at each position in college basketball. It celebrates not only offensive skill and scoring ability, but also leadership, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure — all traits that Davis displayed in abundance throughout the 2024–25 season.
Past recipients include NBA stars like James Harden, CJ McCollum, Buddy Hield, and more recently Johnny Davis. To join that list is no small feat, and for RJ Davis, it is validation of years of hard work and dedication.
Leadership, Toughness, and Poise
One of Davis’s standout qualities this year was his maturity on the court. Despite intense defensive pressure from opponents who keyed in on him as UNC’s primary scoring threat, he maintained composure, often making the right reads, setting up teammates, and creating his own shot under duress. His basketball IQ was evident in tight endgame situations, where he made winning plays on both ends of the floor.
Coaches and analysts praised Davis not only for his skills but also for his character. A vocal leader in the locker room and a mentor to younger players, Davis embodied everything college programs look for in a senior star. His impact on UNC’s culture this season went beyond the scoreboard.
What’s Next: NBA Bound?
With his college career now capped by one of the highest individual honors available, the spotlight shifts to Davis’s NBA future. He is currently projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and his performance this season — capped by winning the Jerry West Award — has only increased his stock. Scouts love his ability to create space, shoot from deep, and defend multiple positions.
His strong work ethic, basketball intelligence, and big-game experience make him one of the most NBA-ready guards in this draft class.
A Legacy at UNC
RJ Davis will go down as one of the most impactful Tar Heels in recent memory. He has left a lasting mark not only with his numbers, but with his heart, his leadership, and his clutch performances. Now, with the Jerry West Award in hand, Davis prepares to take his talents to the next level — and the basketball world will be watching closely.
The journey is just beginning, and RJ Davis
looks ready for the challenge.
