There’s no question that RJ Davis’ jersey will hang in the rafters at the Dean Dome. His career at Carolina ended after the Tar Heels were defeated by Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Davis finished with a team high 15 points – scoring in double figures for the 140th time as a Tar Heel and 34th time this season.
RJ leaves Chapel Hill as one of the best to wear Carolina blue. He never missed a game in five years and his 175 games played are a UNC and ACC record. His 2,725 points scored are 2nd in UNC history and 3rd in ACC history. He holds the UNC record for most made three-point field goals and most games scoring in double figures. In 2024 he was named ACC Player of the Year and consensus first team All-American.
But with all of those accolades on the court, it’s the off-court RJ he wants to be remembered for.
“Despite me being RJ the athlete it’s just more about me as a person,” Davis said after Friday’s loss. “I always wanted my legacy to be how I left an impact on other people, rather than just being basketball. I think that’s what my legacy stands for more than just the athlete. I think it’s more about the impact I left on my teammates, coaches, staff and the friendships and relationships that I’ve built. It’s for other people to describe what my legacy is, but for me personally that’s how I want to be remembered.”
One of the people who RJ impacted is Seth Trimble, who was brought to tears when asked what he’s learned observing his teammate.
“I’ve learned so much from RJ. The second I stepped on campus, he was there,” Trimble said. “I asked him, ‘hey, can we workout in the summer?’ Basically, I
asked can I follow you? Can I do everything that you do? I’m fortunate enough for him to accept me and just share with me all the knowledge he’s shared over the years. I’ve learned how to be a better leader. I’ve learned how to be a more confident basketball player. I’ve learned a whole lot from RJ.”
That’s impact. And although RJ’s contributions on the court are undeniable, his legacy at Carolina will be exactly how he wanted to be – how he impacted people away from basketball.
