BREAKING NEWS: North Carolina Senior RJ Davis Named Winner of 2025 Jerry West Award
In a monumental achievement that cements his legacy in college basketball, North Carolina senior RJ Davis has been named the winner of the 2025 Jerry West Award. The prestigious honor, presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizes the top shooting guard in men’s NCAA Division I basketball. Davis joins an elite list of past recipients and becomes the first Tar Heel to win the award since it was introduced in 2015.
RJ Davis, a 6-foot senior from White Plains, New York, delivered an extraordinary 2024–25 season for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Averaging 21.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, Davis showcased a remarkable combination of scoring efficiency, leadership, and clutch play throughout the year. His dynamic offensive game and steady presence on both ends of the floor played a pivotal role in North Carolina’s deep run into the NCAA Tournament.
Known for his lethal shooting touch, Davis shot 45% from the field and an impressive 41% from three-point range, making him one of the most efficient guards in the country. Whether it was pulling up off the dribble, spotting up from deep, or finishing through contact at the rim, Davis continually found ways to score against even the toughest defenses. His scoring prowess, however, was just one facet of what made him such a valuable player.
Beyond the stat sheet, Davis was the emotional and strategic leader of a Tar Heels squad that consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. His poise under pressure and commitment to improvement over his four-year career made him a favorite not just among North Carolina fans, but among basketball analysts and coaches nationwide. Head coach Hubert Davis praised RJ for his relentless work ethic and maturity, stating, “RJ’s leadership and heart define what North Carolina basketball is all about.”
The Jerry West Award, named after the NBA legend often referred to as “Mr. Clutch,” is one of five positional awards given each year by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The winner is selected by a national committee of top college basketball personnel, media members, and Hall of Famers. Davis emerged from a highly competitive field of finalists, beating out other elite guards from across the country.
For Davis, the award is the culmination of a journey that began with high expectations and ended with national recognition. After opting to return for his senior year instead of entering the NBA Draft early, Davis made it clear he had unfinished business—and now he leaves Chapel Hill with one of college basketball’s highest individual honors.
As he prepares for the next stage of his basketball career, RJ Davis carries with him the legacy of the Tar Heels and the spirit of the Jerry West Award: excellence, perseverance, and an unyielding passion for the game.
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