UNC STARS SHOW OUT: R.J. Davis, Armando Bacot Lead Tar Heels’ Charge in NBA Summer League Spotlight
LAS VEGAS, NV — The bright lights of the NBA Summer League have long been a proving ground for rookies and undrafted hopefuls. But this July, it became a stage for two of Chapel Hill’s finest. Former Tar Heel stars R.J. Davis and Armando Bacot turned heads with electric performances that not only elevated their own stock but also reignited the pride of UNC fans across the country.
Playing for the Brooklyn Nets Summer League squad, R.J. Davis looked every bit like the seasoned floor general who dazzled in Chapel Hill. After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft — a move widely criticized by analysts — Davis arrived in Las Vegas with a chip on his shoulder. In his Summer League debut, he poured in 28 points, including five three-pointers, along with 7 assists and 3 steals in a gritty win over the Phoenix Suns’ squad.
“He’s got that poise you just can’t teach,” said one scout. “He reads the game like a fifth-year vet, and his shot creation is elite for this level.”
Throughout the tournament, Davis averaged 21.3 points and 6.2 assists per game, while shooting 44% from deep. What separated him wasn’t just the stat lines — it was his clutch gene. In a nail-biter against Golden State, Davis hit a game-winning pull-up jumper with 3.4 seconds left, pounding his chest in a moment that had UNC fans on Twitter proclaiming, “He’s him — always was.”
Meanwhile, Armando Bacot, suiting up for the Charlotte Hornets, made it clear he wasn’t done dominating the paint just yet. The five-year Carolina cornerstone showed that his physicality, rebounding tenacity, and improved footwork could translate to the next level. Bacot recorded three straight double-doubles, including a monster 18-point, 15-rebound outing against the Lakers that had broadcasters comparing him to a young Al Horford.
“He’s playing with grown-man strength,” one commentator noted. “He might’ve been doubted in draft rooms, but there’s no denying his motor, his IQ, and his voice on the floor.”
Bacot’s leadership, even in a Summer League setting, was unmistakable. He directed younger teammates on rotations, called out switches, and dove for loose balls with the same intensity that made him UNC’s all-time leading rebounder. Word out of Charlotte’s camp is that Bacot is making a legitimate push for a two-way contract, with whispers that he could crack the Hornets’ opening night roster.
The buzz around both Davis and Bacot has UNC fans beaming with pride. On social media, highlights of their performances were paired with clips from their Tar Heel days — clutch shots, court slaps, and emotional Dean Dome moments — reminding everyone that while their jerseys may be different now, the Carolina DNA runs deep.
“It’s not just that they’re playing well,” said Tar Heels legend Ty Lawson during a courtside interview. “It’s how they’re doing it — with toughness, with leadership, and with that Carolina chip on their shoulder.”
As Summer League winds down, Davis looks poised to earn a guaranteed deal, while Bacot continues to turn skepticism into belief. Together, they’ve shown that Carolina basketball doesn’t just produce players — it produces pros.
And in the heart of Vegas, under the heat of the spotlight, two Tar Heels made it clear: their story is just beginning.
