North Carolina senior RJ Davis has won the 2025 Jerry West Award, granted annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to the best shooting guard in Men’s Basketball

RJ Davis Claims Jerry West Award, Cementing His Legacy in Tar Heel Lore

RJ Davis, the heart and soul of North Carolina basketball, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Jerry West Award for the year. Bestowed annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the award honors the most outstanding shooting guard in men’s college basketball. For Davis, this recognition caps off a senior season marked by exceptional leadership, refined skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Throughout the season, Davis emerged as the go-to player for the Tar Heels in both clutch moments and routine battles. His shooting mechanics, court awareness, and basketball IQ were on full display each night, captivating fans and baffling defenders. Game after game, he delivered elite performances that propelled North Carolina into the national spotlight.

But Davis’s road to this honor was not paved with ease. Arriving in Chapel Hill as a highly regarded recruit, he had to adjust to the intense expectations and legacy that come with donning the Carolina blue. Over time, his resilience and work ethic allowed him to evolve from a promising talent into a seasoned, battle-tested veteran with a complete skillset.

Davis’s scoring prowess became a signature aspect of his senior campaign. Whether draining deep threes, navigating through traffic in the paint, or sinking mid-range shots with surgical precision, he displayed an offensive versatility that made him nearly unguardable. His shooting percentages and efficiency reflected both natural talent and hours of repetition in the gym.

Beyond scoring, Davis was a commanding floor presence. He served as a calming influence during chaotic stretches and as a sparkplug when the team needed a jolt. His leadership went beyond vocal commands — he led by example, setting the tone on both ends of the court and elevating those around him.

The Jerry West Award recognizes not just stats, but also the intangible qualities of consistency, competitiveness, and basketball character. Davis checked every box. Coaches across the ACC repeatedly praised his composure, decision-making, and the sense of rhythm he brought to each possession.

Davis’s journey is also one of loyalty and development. At a time when college basketball sees many players transferring or leaving early, Davis remained committed to North Carolina, choosing to grow within the program. That decision paid off, as he blossomed into one of the most respected guards in the nation.

His teammates have often spoken of his humility and approachability. Despite being the team’s star, he always made time for younger players, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. This maturity and grace made him a beloved figure not only within the locker room but throughout the Carolina community.

The coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, had long believed in RJ’s potential. They created an environment where he could thrive, challenging him to sharpen his game while nurturing his leadership instincts. That faith was rewarded in full as he rose to the occasion in his final collegiate season.

Fans have watched RJ Davis grow from a talented underclassman into a leader who embodies the best of Carolina basketball. His performances became must-watch television, his name a rallying cry in the Dean Smith Center. From Chapel Hill to nationwide broadcasts, Davis captured hearts with his flair, toughness, and heart.

The Jerry West Award also carries symbolic weight. Named after one of basketball’s most iconic guards, the award connects Davis to a lineage of greats who mastered the shooting guard position. Being included in that company is both an honor and a validation of years of dedication and sacrifice.

Media outlets and analysts had been projecting Davis as a finalist for the award for much of the season. Still, when the announcement came, it carried with it a wave of emotion. For Davis, the recognition wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a shared victory for his family, coaches, and fans who had supported him from the start.

North Carolina now boasts another piece of hardware in its storied history, and Davis has etched his name into its decorated legacy. The program’s reputation for producing elite guards continues, and Davis has added another jewel to that crown.

Looking ahead, RJ Davis’s basketball journey is far from over. With professional aspirations on the horizon, he is poised to take his talents to the next level. Scouts have lauded his maturity, scoring ability, and readiness to adapt to the demands of the professional game.

Yet no matter where he goes next, Chapel Hill will always be home. The fans who cheered his every shot, the students who chanted his name, and the teammates who trusted him in every battle will never forget the legacy he leaves behind.

In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Davis also contributed off the court, participating in community outreach, mentoring youth, and representing the university with dignity and class. The Jerry West Award is a celebration not just of a player, but of a person.

The announcement was met with celebrations across social media, with fans, alumni, and former Tar Heels showering Davis with congratulations. His impact resonated far beyond the box score — he reminded people what college basketball is all about: growth, grit, and grace under pressure.

Hubert Davis expressed pride and gratitude when speaking of RJ’s award, describing him as a “once-in-a-generation student-athlete” whose presence would be missed but whose impact would live on. For the coach, this moment was not just a win for his player, but a win for the program’s values.

The season may be over, but RJ Davis’s name will echo through the halls of the Dean Dome and the memories of Tar Heel fans for generations. Winning the Jerry West Award is more than a trophy — it’s a symbol of everything he gave to the game and everything the game gave back.