This was exactly the senior night that Armando Bacot and RJ Davis deserved. It began with the pregame ceremonies, during which all seven of North Carolina’s seniors were acknowledged. A few hours later, the entire Smith Center was on its feet as Armando, RJ, and Cormac checked out for the final time, putting the Tar Heels up 37. The win over the Irish gave North Carolina a share of the ACC regular-season title, and they did so in a blowout while honoring some of the most iconic players to have passed through Chapel Hill.
On a night filled with bittersweet feelings and questions about RJ Davis’s future, his game remained consistent with his outstanding senior season, as he led the Tar Heels in scoring once again. RJ may stay for another year if he wants, but if this is it, it’s been an incredible pleasure to watch him play.
It’s only fitting that he was named Player of the Game.
RJ Davis finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading North Carolina in scoring and assists. It was done at a very efficient speed, just like he has done all year. RJ shot 9-16 from the field and 4-6 from three points on his senior night. As we’ve seen in prior outings, he hit many acrobatic, step-back three-pointers that exploded the Dean Dome.
We remember RJ’s loud, highlight plays, but don’t take things for granted. Extra effort on loose balls, rebounding as the shortest player on the field, and some of the greatest free throw shooting in the ACC are just a few examples of what we’ve come to expect from RJ’s game.
In recent years, any North Carolina guard would have raised eyebrows with a stat line like tonight’s. This year, however, things are more usual. RJ Davis consistently performs at the top level against the strongest opponents, as he did tonight. If this is it for RJ, it has been an unbelievable journey. If we are fortunate enough to get one more year, the sky is truly the limit.
Regardless of his decision in a month or two, remember the image of three-point goggles after making a massive momentum bucket. That’s the image I’ll always remember from watching him play. Sure, viewing that would have informed you that he hit a three. More significantly, we fans witnessed
That’s the image I’ll always have from seeing him play. Sure, seeing that would have shown you that he hit a three. More importantly, we fans witnessed.
