RJ Davis has been a standout for North Carolina this season. The senior guard’s scoring ability has kept scouts on the edge. But with the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, one question looms: will he take the leap? Let’s take a look at everything we know so far about the young phenom’s draft potential.
Everything We Know So Far About RJ Davis’ Draft Prospects
Davis meets the NBA’s eligibility rules. He’ll be older than 19 (23) in 2025 and is well past a year removed from his high school graduation at Archbishop Stepinac in New York. That makes him free to declare for the draft this summer. Yet, no official word has come from Davis or his camp about his plans.
This season, North Carolina entered with big expectations. Returning Davis and point guard Eliot Cadeau, plus adding five-star freshmen Ian Jackson and Drake Powell, set the stage for a strong run. Although the team has struggled in recent matches, Davis has shone as one of the leading scorers. His performance is keeping him on the NBA radar.
RJ DAVIS CANNOT MISS FROM DEEP (literally) 🤯
6/6 from beyond the arc 🎯#MarchMadness @UNC_Basketball pic.twitter.com/41RdJk6kQP
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2025
Standing at 6’0” and 180 pounds, Davis is an undersized guard with a knack for creating shots. His quick first step and slick ball-handling let him attack defenses. He can heat up fast, dropping points in bursts.
Analysts can’t help gushing over his scoring potential, “When Davis gets it going, he can really score the ball,” says NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock. However, there is still some concern regarding Davis that lingers among the experts. His size and lack of elite athleticism raise doubts about his fit in the pros.
Defensively, Davis holds his own with lateral speed. Still, his height and limited vertical pop could hurt him against bigger NBA guards. Improving his shot selection and playmaking will be key for his career’s future.
Right now, he thrives with the ball in his hands. Off it, his impact fades, which is a red flag for some scouts. “His effectiveness without the ball is uncertain,” Babcock notes.
Ian Jackson and Drake Powell are both projected to be in this summer’s draft. Jackson could land in the 20s of the first round, and Powell might slip into the early second. Their rise might push Davis to return for another college year.
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His strengths are obvious: crafty scoring, solid handles, and quickness. Yet his size, streaky shooting, and unpolished playmaking are holding him back. Can he adapt to an NBA role? If he refines his game, he might stick as a bench spark. However, for now, nothing can be said for sure; only time will tell.
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