BREAKING NEWS: North Carolina senior RJ Davis has been named the winner of the 2025 jerry West Award, an honor presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame to the top shooting guard in Man’s….
In a major accolade to cap off an impressive college career, University of North Carolina senior guard RJ Davis has been named the winner of the 2025 Jerry West Award. The announcement came Tuesday from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which presents the honor annually to the top shooting guard in men’s NCAA Division I basketball.
The Jerry West Award, named after the legendary NBA player and Hall of Famer, recognizes excellence in scoring, leadership, and impact at the shooting guard position. Davis, a four-year player for the Tar Heels, emerged as a standout candidate early in the 2024–25 season and maintained a high level of play throughout, leading North Carolina in scoring and serving as a crucial veteran presence on a nationally ranked team.
Davis averaged 21.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season, shooting 45% from the field and over 41% from three-point range. His scoring prowess, clutch performances, and improved efficiency helped guide the Tar Heels deep into the NCAA Tournament and back into national title contention.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive the Jerry West Award,” Davis said in a statement released by the university. “I’ve worked extremely hard over the last four years, and to have that effort recognized on a national level means the world to me. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and all of Tar Heel Nation for supporting me every step of the way.”
RJ Davis becomes the first player in UNC history to win the Jerry West Award, which was first established in 2015. His win adds to the rich tradition of North Carolina basketball, which has produced numerous All-Americans and NBA stars over the decades.
Davis’s senior campaign saw multiple marquee performances, including a 32-point outburst in a victory over Duke and a 28-point effort in the ACC Tournament semifinals. His maturity, poise under pressure, and tireless work ethic made him not only a statistical leader but also the emotional core of this year’s Tar Heels squad.
“RJ embodies everything the Jerry West Award stands for,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis (no relation). “He’s a fierce competitor, a natural leader, and someone who always puts the team first. He’s earned every bit of this recognition.”
The announcement comes as Davis prepares for the next chapter in his basketball journey. With his college eligibility complete, he is widely projected to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts have praised his scoring ability, high basketball IQ, and leadership — qualities that should serve him well at the next level.
The award is part of the Basketball Hall of Fame’s “Starting Five” series, which also honors the top players at each position in men’s and women’s college basketball, including the Bob Cousy (point guard) and Julius Erving (small forward) awards.
For now, RJ Davis can take pride in knowing his name joins a prestigious list of past winners — and that he has left an indelible mark on college basketball.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted as a press release or if you want to add a quote from Jerry West himself.
Leave a Reply