Sad news”R.J. Davis has made it clearly that he will be leaving tar heels because of this two reasons..
Why RJ Davis’ UNC basketball legacy is set, whether or not he returns for a fifth year.
North Carolina’s R.J. Davis (4) reacts after sinking a three-point basket against Connecticut during the first half in the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.
Four young North Carolina basketball fans waited outside of the tunnel at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum, including one wearing a No. 4 jersey and another in a Tar Heels cheerleading outfit. They hoped to get a photo with their favorite player, RJ Davis.
The senior from New York gladly obliged, and was met with cheers. He gave them one more smile and wave before heading to the bus.
“We have enjoyed watching you so much,” one mother told him.Thank you.
That one moment summarized Davis’ career, and what he wants to be remembered for: using basketball as a conduit to positively impact others.
His legacy won’t be the 1,838 (and counting) career points, or the way he scored the most points (36) at the Smith Center since 2008. It’s not his 20-point scoring streak this season, or even the way he helped Carolina make a Final Four run in 2022. Those are part of what Davis will eventually leave behind, but they’re not all of it.
North Carolina’s R.J. Davis (4) puts up a shot over Charleston Southern’s R.J. Johnson (22) in the first half on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett.
He’ll also — and perhaps most importantly — be remembered for the way he loves his family, his friends and the community, and his character.
“That’s something I haven’t really thought about; leaving a legacy not for myself but for the next generation,” Davis said. “I’ve got to continue staying humble and knowing what got me here: That was working hard and staying down through it all…I’m going to enjoy this moment and stay present but at the same time be the true leader I know I can be.”
