BREAKING NEWS: North Carolina Star RJ Davis Wins 2025 Jerry West Award as Nation’s Top Shooting Guar
In a moment of triumph that cements his place among college basketball’s elite, North Carolina senior RJ Davis has been named the winner of the 2025 Jerry West Award. Presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the award recognizes the top shooting guard in men’s college basketball—and Davis has more than earned the distinction.
The announcement came Friday evening during ESPN’s coverage of the Final Four weekend, with Davis taking center stage as the first Tar Heel to win the prestigious award since its inception in 2015. The honor caps off a remarkable senior campaign in Chapel Hill, where Davis elevated his game to new heights and led North Carolina on a deep postseason run.
“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Davis said after receiving the award. “To be mentioned in the same sentence as Jerry West, one of the greatest ever, means the world to me. I’ve worked so hard for this, and I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Carolina family who believed in me.”
Davis averaged 21.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game during the 2024-25 season, while shooting an efficient 46% from the field and nearly 41% from beyond the arc. Known for his clutch scoring, composure under pressure, and unwavering leadership, Davis was the heartbeat of the Tar Heels’ offense and a fan favorite for his relentless drive and humility.
His performances against elite competition turned heads throughout the season, including a 35-point explosion against Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium and several game-winning moments during ACC play. Davis’s consistency and poise were instrumental in guiding UNC to an ACC regular season title and a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
“RJ is the definition of a Carolina guard—tough, skilled, and selfless,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis. “He leads by example, and he competes with a fire that inspires everyone around him. This award is a reflection of everything he’s poured into this program over four years.”
The Jerry West Award, named after the legendary NBA Hall of Famer and former West Virginia standout, honors the shooting guard who best exemplifies excellence at the position. Davis beat out other top-tier finalists including Kansas’ Elmarko Jackson, Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard, and Houston’s LJ Cryer.
Davis’s journey to this point has been marked by steady growth, patience, and perseverance. Arriving in Chapel Hill as a four-star recruit, he developed year after year—becoming not only a premier scorer, but also a trusted leader and ambassador for Carolina Basketball.
With the Jerry West Award now on his résumé, Davis is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Regardless of where he lands next, his legacy in Chapel Hill is secure.
As Tar Heel fans celebrate one of their own receiving one of college basketball’s highest individual honors, one thing is clear—RJ Davis has forever etched his name into UNC lore.
