All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Hubert Davis Reacts to Questions About RJ Davis' Plan

Hubert Davis says he does not know whether UNC basketball star RJ Davis will stay or go this spring.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports
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RJ Davis will be a Senior Night honoree when the No. 7 Tar Heels host unranked Notre Dame in the Dean E. Smith Center at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. But there's no telling if it'll be his final UNC basketball home game, as the 22-year-old has the option to play a fifth year due to the NCAA not counting the 2020-21 season against anyone's eligibility.

Yes, Davis has become the frontrunner for ACC Player of the Year while sprinkling his name throughout the program's history books via now-countless memorable senior performances and lofty career marks. Nevertheless, mock drafts and big boards suggest the 6-foot guard is just a possible second-rounder this go-round.

On Monday, third-year UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis, whose tenure has included fifth-year Tar Heels Leaky Black, now a Charlotte Hornets rookie, and current graduate center Armando Bacot, set to enjoy his second Senior Night festivities, explained to ACC media his mindset on whatever RJ Davis' 2024-25 outlook may be:

"He is gonna be honored as a senior [against Notre Dame]. We did the same thing with Armando last year, and we did the same thing with Leaky the previous year.

"And so, we're gonna celebrate him as a senior [on Tuesday night], and he should be celebrated. I'm really excited about him and his family being here and being celebrated...

"I have not had any conversations with him [about next season] because it's not a conversation that needs to be had right now. Right now, our focus is on us becoming the best team that we can possibly become. And then after the season, we'll have a discussion. And it's not really a discussion.

"I'm in favor of whatever each individual player wants to do. It's not even a discussion. That is, whatever decision they feel is best for them and their family, I am in 100 percent support of that.

"So, if RJ decided not to come back for an extra COVID year for his fifth year, I'm in 100 percent support of that. If he would come back, I am 100 percent in support of that. And I'm glad that our players have choices.

"More importantly, what I'm thinking about is I'm so excited for the season that RJ has had. That's the thing that brings a smile to my face."

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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.

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