RJ Davis: Highlights| Signing| Preseason debut| College Career

Introduction
Robert “RJ” Davis Jr. has emerged as one of the more compelling stories in recent college basketball-to-pro transitions. From his steady development at the University of North Carolina (UNC) to his signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and touchdown in the preseason, Davis’s journey is a blend of consistency, perseverance, and standout moments. In this article, we explore his early life and college career, his signing with the Lakers, and his debut in the preseason — all underscored by career highlights and key metrics.

Early Life & Background

Before diving into his college accolades or pro aspirations, it helps to know where Davis came from.

• Birth & Hometown: RJ Davis was born on October 21, 2001, in White Plains, New York.

• High School: He attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York.

• Recruitment: Coming out of high school, he was a McDonald’s All-American (2020) and in the Jordan Brand Classic.

• Standing Out in HS: He also collected honors such as Mr. New York Basketball in 2020.

His high school accolades set the stage for a promising collegiate career, and he landed at UNC — a storied basketball program with high expectations.

College Career at UNC (2020–2025)

RJ Davis’s time at North Carolina was marked by steady growth, statistical consistency, and some standout performances. Over five seasons (the extra year granted due to COVID-19 eligibility rules), he became one of the most productive players in UNC and ACC history.

Here’s a breakdown of his journey:

Freshman Year (2020–21)

• Games / Role: Appeared in 29 games, starting 10 of them.

• Stats: Averaged 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Shooting splits: ~.350 FG%, ~.323 3P%, ~.821 FT%.

• Impact: As a freshman, he showed capability to contribute in scoring and free-throw shooting, even as he adapted to college pace.

Sophomore Year (2021–22)

• Games / Role: Started all 39 games, with heavier minutes (33.9 per game).

• Stats: Averaged 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists. Shooting ~.425 FG%, ~.367 3P%, ~.833 FT%.

• Growth: He increased efficiency and responsibility, becoming a more integral part of UNC’s lineup.

Junior Year (2022–23)

• Games / Role: Played 33 games (32 starts), ~35.0 minutes per game.

• Stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists. Shooting ~.438 FG%, ~.362 3P%, ~.881 FT%.

• Notes: He ranked among team leaders in assists and free throw accuracy, while also improving defensive contributions (steals)

Senior/“Fourth” Year (2023–24)

• Games / Role: Started all 37 games, playing ~34.8 minutes per outing.

• Breakout Season: Averaged 21.2 points (team lead), 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists.

• Honors:
    • Consensus First-Team All-American
    • ACC Player of the Year
    • Winner of the Jerry West Award (top shooting guard nationally)

• Signature Game: On February 26, 2024, Davis torched Miami for 42 points (14/22 FG, 7/11 3P), setting the Smith Center single-game scoring mark.

• Three-Point Milestone: During his Carolina tenure, he broke UNC’s all-time 3-point record, surpassing 300 made threes.

Fifth Year / Final Season (2024–25)

• Games / Role: Again started all 37 games, ~34.2 minutes per contest.

• Stats: Averaged 17.2 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, shooting .413 FG%, .354 3P%, .873 FT%.

• Honors: Earned Second-Team All-ACC honors.

• Legacy Stats:
    • Finished as second all-time leading scorer in UNC history (2,710 points). 
    • Among the top in ACC history in games played (never missed a game in five seasons). 
    • UNC’s all-time leader in made 3-point field goals (358)
    • Also led in free throw shooting, and became the only Tar Heel to record at least 2,500 points, 600 rebounds, 500 assists, 300 made threes, 150 steals.

Summary & Style of Play

Over his UNC tenure, several themes emerge:

1. Consistency & Durability: He never missed a game, starting 155 of 175.

2. Scoring Efficiency: His field goal and 3-point percentages remained solid even as volume increased.

3. Clutch Performances: Several games showcased his ability to take over (e.g. 42 points vs. Miami).

4. Balanced Game: He contributed assists, rebounds, and defense—never just a scorer.

5. Free Throw Reliability: His shooting at the stripe remained strong throughout (often > .850).

Because of such credentials, he left UNC not just with records, but with respect — regarded as one of the more complete guards in Tar Heel history.

Signing With Los Angeles Lakers

After concluding his collegiate career in 2025, RJ Davis entered the professional ranks. But unlike many top college names, he went undrafted. However, that didn’t stop him from getting an opportunity.

• Contract Type: On June 26, 2025, Davis signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

• Implication of Exhibit 10: An Exhibit 10 deal is a non-guaranteed contract that typically includes a bonus if the player stays with the team’s G League affiliate. It also allows the team to convert it to a two-way contract. Because of this, Davis is seen as a candidate to develop between the NBA and its affiliate.

• Roster Odds: He enters camp as a “longshot” to secure one of the 15 guaranteed roster spots, but his performance in preseason games can make the case for retention.

• Role Expectations: The Lakers likely expect Davis to split time between the main team and the G League (South Bay Lakers), where he can get minutes and continue development.

His signing was seen as a reward for his productive UNC career — and as an experiment: could his consistent output translate to the pro level?

Preseason Debut & Performance

After signing, Davis joined the Lakers for training camp and preseason action. His debut game offered a glimpse into how he might fare in professional play.

First Preseason Game (vs. Phoenix Suns)

• Date & Setting: In his Lakers preseason debut, Davis played ~18 minutes against the Phoenix Suns.

• Box Score:
    • 14 points (5/8 FG)
    • 1 three-point made (1/2 attempts)
    • 3/3 free throws
    • 1 steal
    • 2 turnovers
    • 1 personal foul
    • Plus/minus of –1

• Context: He was second on the team in scoring for that game, behind only Austin Reaves (20 points).

• Shooting Efficiency: His 62.5% shooting from the floor and perfect mark at the line helped make the appearance look polished.

• Bench Contribution: Davis led the Lakers’ bench scorers in that game.

Interpretation & Analysis

• Positive Takeaways:
    • Efficiency: He didn’t force shots; his FG% reflects good shot selection in limited time.
    • Composure: Unflustered in his first outing; also handle free throws well.
    • Versatility: Even though scoring was the focus, he showed willingness to defend (steal) and take care of the ball (minimal turnovers in limited time).
    • Potential: For a rookie on an Exhibit 10, such a debut can build confidence among coaches.

• Areas to Watch:
    • Volume & Consistency: 18 minutes is a small sample; repeating this across several games matters more.
    • Expansion of Role: Can he deliver similar efficiency when asked to do more (higher shot volume, defensive matchups)?
    • Roster Competition: He must outplay or at least match other young guards competing for roster spots.

• Roster Outlook: His strong preseason showing doesn’t guarantee a guaranteed contract, but it strengthens his case. As noted by analysts, he remains a longshot for a full roster spot — but continued strong performances might swing the pendulum.

Coach and front office eyes will closely evaluate how Davis handles more minutes, different lineups, and defensive matchups.

Highlights & Career Memories

To understand RJ Davis’s appeal, here are some standout highlights and defining career moments:

1. “42-Point Explosion vs. Miami (2024)” – Probably his signature game: 14/22 FG, 7/11 from three, 42 points. That performance broke the Smith Center single-game scoring record.

2. Breaking the UNC 3-Point Record – He became the all-time leader in UNC made three-pointers (300+) and in total (358).

3. Consistency Across Seasons – Rare among college players, he improved his scoring average almost every season (8.4 → 13.5 → 16.1 → 21.2 → 17.2).

4. Uninterrupted Play – He played in 175 games total, never missing one in five seasons.

5. Free-Throw & Shooting Prowess – Among the top free-throw shooters and three-point shooters in UNC and ACC history.

6. Major Awards & Recognition
     - ACC Player of the Year (2024)
     - Consensus First-Team All-American (2024)
     - Jerry West Award recipient (2024)

These moments, alongside his statistical consistency, cement Davis’s legacy as one of UNC’s more decorated guards in recent memory.

What Lies Ahead: Projection & Expectations

Now that RJ Davis has taken the leap to the professional ranks, what might the future hold?

Strengths That Could Translate

• Elite Three-Point Shooting: His ability to shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip is a valuable skill in today’s NBA.

• Free-Throw Reliability: Late-game situations demand clutch free-throw shooters; Davis’s track record gives him an edge.

• Basketball IQ & Experience: His years as a primary option in a major conference means he’s accustomed to pressure.

• Steady Defensive Contributions: While not a lockdown defender, his effort and awareness could become assets in rotation roles.

• Durability & Consistency: Being available every game at UNC demonstrates toughness and resilience.

Challenges & Risks

• Size & Physical Limitations: At ~6’0″ and ~175–180 lbs, he may be at a disadvantage against larger guards or switch-heavy lineups.

• Transition Speed & Defense: The NBA requires quicker closeouts, switching, and lateral agility — areas for further development.

• Role Adjustment: Moving from a leading scorer role to a supporting or rotational role can be a mental adjustment.

• Roster Competition: Many young guards vie for limited slots. He must outperform or at least match peers for a roster place.

• Consistency Under Load: In college, he often carried high usage; in the NBA, his role may vary game to game.

Best-Case Scenario

In the ideal progression, Davis earns a two-way contract or partial roster spot, splits time between the Lakers and G League affiliate, and gradually carves out minutes in NBA games. With continued growth in defense, playmaking, and consistency, he could become a rotation-level guard and, later, a full roster contributor.

Wild Card Factors to Watch

• How he performs in further preseason games (especially against league-caliber opponents)

• How quickly he adapts to NBA defensive schemes and pace

• How the Lakers (or future teams) view him in the context of team needs (3-point shooting, bench spark, backcourt depth)

• Whether injuries or opportunity open up paths to increased minutes

Conclusion

RJ Davis’s basketball journey is a compelling narrative of steady ascent rather than meteoric rise. From high school standout in White Plains to enduring legend at UNC, to a pro signing with the Lakers and a strong preseason appearance, his path is defined by persistence and incremental improvement.

While the future is not guaranteed, the markers are positive: a strong college legacy, a confident pro debut, and a skill set aligned with modern NBA needs. For fans and analysts alike, one central question remains: will RJ Davis be able to convert dominance in college into relevance in the NBA?