Hubert Davis Explains UNC Basketball Guard's 'Really Good Rhythm'

UNC basketball gem RJ Davis further refines and adds to his repertoire seemingly every time he's on the court.
Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

For the eighth consecutive game, RJ Davis led UNC basketball in points. In each of those contests, he's scored 20 or more, the first to pull off that streak in the program since legend Tyler Hansbrough for the eventual 2008-09 national champs.

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Out of the gates in Friday night's 105-60 home victory over unranked Charleston Southern, Davis fueled the ninth-ranked Tar Heels (9-3, 1-0 ACC), still riding their high from a win over previously unbeaten Oklahoma in Charlotte on Dec. 20.

He scored 10 points before the first timeout and finished the game with the first points-assists double-double (20, 10) of his career.

In doing so, the emerging ACC Player of the Year frontrunner became the first UNC basketball player to ever finish a game with at least 20 points, 10 dimes, five steals, and no turnovers. Furthermore, consider it was the second outing in a row that RJ Davis tallied at least 20 points, five assists, and zero turnovers.

Simply put, if he continues to compile these all-anyone-could-ever-ask-for box scores, the Tar Heels' ceiling may well prove higher than any team in the country, especially if his teammates continue to make leaps in trying to rise to his level.

So, will the 22-year-old senior guard ever come down from what is thus far the peak of his playing career?

On Friday night, third-year head coach Hubert Davis made it sound like this may just be who RJ Davis is now, a scary thought for the rest of the backcourts in the ACC:

"He's in a really good rhythm. His leadership has been off the charts this year. His defense has been terrific. And just offensively, there are very few players that from an offensive standpoint have the ability to be able to score with the ball in his hands and off the ball, and still be able to distribute and get other people involved.

"He just can do that.

"His shot selection is great. He's just in a really nice rhythm now, and it's nice to see him being celebrated for the type of player and the type of person and the type of leader he is."

NEXT GAME: at Pitt (9-3, 0-1 ACC), 7 p.m. ET Tuesday (ESPN)

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.