RJ Davis returns for fifth year to solve unfinished business –

Although he chose the path of simplicity, the brevity of the announcement post does not represent the difficulty in the run-up to the decision.

After the 89-87 loss to Alabama in the Sweet 16 of last year’s NCAA tournament, in which sharpshooter Davis went 4-for-20 And 0-9 from behind the arc, the guard took time away from basketball. His thoughts and emotions about the game were on his mind. Then he thought about his future. For one month.

He dreams of playing in the NBA. After his historic senior year, Davis submitted his name for feedback on his draft stock. But because of COVID, he was able to study an extra year.

“If someone tells you it’s not stressful, they’re lying to you because this is stressful,” Davis said in a vlog posted to his YouTube channel on May 1. “My thoughts change every day.”

He turned Unpleasant head coach Hubert Davisformer players Armando Bacot, Theo Pinson And Joel Berry II, and even former UNC coach Roy Williams for advice. All of them told no one could make the decision for him. He had to choose what was best for him. But they would support him no matter what.

Finally Davis said there were more things he wanted to accomplish in North Carolina.

He still strives for it win a national championship.

The all-time scoring record is not something he is put pressure on to hit himself, even if he is 784 points away – which means he has to take the average 24.5 points per game in the regular season alone – by hitting Tyler Hansbrough’S 2,872 marking.

That doesn’t mean Davis doesn’t want to score as much as possible either. After all, scoring is his, he said strong. Davis said he would cry tears of joy if he achieves the record.

In addition to the victories and awards, he wants to continue to inspire children who attend matches. He wants his teammates to do the same to remind him not only as a player, but also as a leader. He wants to secure those relationships last.

“It was such a hard decision because I wanted to pursue my dream and make it happen, but it’s a bigger goal for me,” Davis says said.

RJ Davis has never been a “rah-rah, loud personality.” said Hubert Davis. He used to always do that led by example. Now in his senior year, the graduate guard want to to take steps to be more vocal in training and competition.

During an open practice in October, Davis was the only player whose voice echoed alongside Hubert Davis’ exclamations in the mostly empty Smith Center. The veteran guard shouted words of encouragement during a fast break drill, occasionally shouting “Live ball!” as a reminder to increase the pace.

Hubertus Davis promised him the power to call a timeout during training whenever he wants. If the team slacks off, it’s the fifth year they’re pulled into a huddle to regroup.

Freshman forward James Brown lively remembers a practice in September where the energy was lacking and they had to give up sloppy turnover. Davis pulled the team aside and told the group that the lack of energy was unacceptable. The Tar Heels haven’t needed another discussion like this.

And in addition to leadership in practice, Hubert Davis also called his graduate guard one connection for the team.

“It can be really easy as a fifth year to say, (forward Drake Powell), (guard Ian Jackson) and (forward James Brown), they’re freshmen, I’m going to be there,” the head coach said. said. ‘No, he’s with them. He takes them out to dinner. He takes them out to lunch.”

It’s simple: he’s back because there’s more work to do. Still more to prove. Even more records to break. Even more accolades to add to his resume. More things were needed to cement the legacy he aspires to.

“The way he carries himself, the way he stands in class, the way he trains, the way he practices, everything just screams pro,” senior guard Elijah Davis said. “The fact that he’s not in the NBA right now just doesn’t add up. He’s the best player in college basketball. He has proven that time and time again. This is just another year where he can prove that.”

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