UNC Basketball Summer Preview: RJ Davis

The reigning ACC Player of the Year is back for another season, and expectations are high. RJ Davis’s decision to return for a fifth season is massive, especially considering the loss of top shooting threats Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan. But with Davis leading the charge, the Heels are poised for another successful season.

RJ Davis is back and ready to lead the Heels

Last season, Davis averaged 21.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 42.8% from the field, 39.8% from three, and 87.3% from the free throw line. He received ACC POY honors and was an AP First-Team All-American. His steadiness, leadership, and elite scoring ability are a big reason why the Heels were able to sweep Duke and win the ACC regular season title.

“Davis took another step forward, establishing himself as one of the toughest players in the country to defend.”

This season, Davis won’t have to carry the load alone. Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau are both returning, and the Heels are adding Belmont sharpshooter Cade Tyson and a couple electric freshmen in Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. The challenge will be figuring out how to manage Davis’s usage, but with a more balanced roster, the Heels are poised for another successful season.

Davis’s ability to work off a screen and find an open shot is unmatched

A big part of what makes Davis so valuable is his ability to work off a screen and find an open shot. However, there were too many situations last year in which Davis was expected to generate something on his own when he didn’t necessarily have to. The presence of Jackson should help in that regard as he’s someone with elite athleticism who can create off the dribble.

The Davis-Cadeau backcourt is one to watch this season

What’s most exciting is getting to witness year two of the Davis-Cadeau backcourt. Cadeau’s team-first mentality and elite play-making contributed greatly to Davis’s historic season. The duo presented matchup problems for teams across the country, and with another offseason for both to work and continue getting comfortable playing together, the sky is the limit.

Davis is ready to lead the Heels to another successful season

Regardless of what this team ultimately looks like, the presence of a player like Davis gives them a high floor. He will already go down as one of the Tar Heel greats, but his story is still being written. With a more than capable supporting cast, prepare for another fun season in Chapel Hill.