Yes, North Carolina’s incoming recruiting class is loaded with talent. Yes, the Tar Heels will have a bunch of size down in the paint. Yes, Caleb Love looks to be a primer talent that has a chance to run the show in Chapel Hill.
But my mind keeps coming back and looking to understand what guard RJ Davis can and could provide for the Heels in the future.
Davis was named New York’s 2020 Gatorade Player of the Year, finishing off his career at Stepinac averaging 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game as a senior.
When watching Davis carve up defenses last year at the NBPA Top 100 in Charlottesville, you got a great understanding of the impact he may have in the coming years in Chapel Hill. As a 6’0 guard, he plays with fantastic handles, he excels in the open floor and at the pace UNC likes to play, and he knows how to score the ball well.
Davis just seems to fit in how head coach Roy Williams wants to play.
He has a chance to really make a name for himself early, as there could be a chance that he could start along with Love but also play a critical role as the back-up point guard for UNC, something they have needed on a few occasions in the past (including last year when Cole Anthony was out).
We spoke more about Davis with Stepinac head coach Patrick Massaroni in what he thinks he will be able to provide.
“He is a winner and competitor,” he said. “He can really score the ball, gets guys involved and an underrated strength is his ability to rebound. He can get you 30+ but can also get 8-10 assists. It depends on the team around him and the situation. In the end, he is a winner and people can’t take that away or teach that.
Some question his size. I disagree with that. Yes, he is 6’0 but he can play. He will be a star at the college level. They are going to see someone who plays the right way, competes, and defends better than people give him credit for.”
There are names that will certainly get bigger headlines than Davis in regards to North Carolina’s 2020 incoming class but this could be a perfect situation for him. Davis has the tools and the right fit for him to flourish in the years to come in Chapel Hill.
Start keeping your eye on him for sure throughout the ACC.