BREAKING NEWS: RJ Davis Clinches 2025 Jerry West Award, Cementing His Legacy as College Basketball’s Premier Shooting Guard
In a defining moment for college basketball, North Carolina’s RJ Davis has been named the winner of the 2025 Jerry West Award, given annually to the top shooting guard in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. The announcement solidifies Davis’s standing not only as a premier scorer and leader but also as one of the most impactful Tar Heels in recent memory.
The Jerry West Award, presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honors excellence at the shooting guard position — and in 2025, no one exemplified that excellence better than Davis. Throughout the season, the senior guard dazzled fans and analysts alike with his scoring prowess, leadership, and clutch performances. Averaging 21.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, Davis was the heartbeat of a North Carolina squad that returned to national prominence under his guidance.
Known for his smooth shooting stroke and relentless competitiveness, Davis was more than just a scorer — he was a complete guard. His efficiency from beyond the arc, combined with an improved mid-range game and a newfound ability to finish through contact, made him nearly unguardable at times. His performance in big moments — including several game-winning shots and a handful of 30-point games against top-tier opponents — etched his name into UNC lore.
Davis’s journey to the Jerry West Award was one of steady development and perseverance. After a strong junior season, many expected Davis to declare for the NBA Draft. Instead, he chose to return to Chapel Hill for his senior year, citing unfinished business and a desire to lead the Tar Heels deeper into the NCAA Tournament. That decision paid off. His maturity, poise under pressure, and relentless work ethic set the tone for the Tar Heels’ successful campaign.
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis praised his star guard, calling him “a fierce competitor and one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached.” The coach also credited Davis’s work ethic as a major reason for his success: “He comes in early, stays late, and puts in the extra work every single day. RJ is a true leader, both on and off the court.”
With this award, Davis joins an elite list of former winners that includes names like Dwyane Wade, James Harden, and Buddy Hield. His name now stands alongside those greats, further underscoring the significance of his accomplishment. It also boosts his NBA draft stock, with scouts now projecting him as a likely first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Perhaps more importantly, Davis’s legacy at UNC is now cemented. In an era defined by player movement and one-and-done stars, Davis’s four-year journey with the Tar Heels is a reminder of the value of loyalty, development, and leadership. His name will forever be remembered in Chapel Hill — not just for the points he scored, but for the passion and heart he brought to every game.
As the 2025 Jerry West Award winner, RJ Davis stands as a shining example of what college basketball can still offer — star power, team loyalty, and a legacy that will endure.
