CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — RJ Davis has achieved a significant amount during his four years at the University of North Carolina, and many believe that his jersey will eventually be retired and hung in the Smith Center.
However, he remains dedicated to another season as the lone returning Associated Press first-team All-American.
“Some might think it’s time to get a job after five years,” Davis mentioned with a laugh.
This season marks a final opportunity for Davis and other players who gained an additional year of eligibility due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unprecedented changes in college sports allowed players to freely transfer between schools and benefit financially from name, image, and likeness (NIL) arrangements. These adjustments have notably encouraged student-athletes to remain in college rather than hastily move towards professional careers, making rosters older as teams seek experience over fresh talent.
Davis leads a group of fifth-year players, including preseason AP All-Americans like Hunter Dickinson from Kansas, Mark Sears from Alabama, Caleb Love from Arizona, and Johni Broome from Auburn.
Of this impressive list, Davis is the only one who has stuck with his original team.
“I believe that having experienced players return has revitalized college basketball,” Davis expressed in a recent interview.
He acknowledged that while one-and-done players get a lot of attention, the narratives of those who choose to stay longer—like himself—deserve recognition too.
The average tenure for NCAA Division I men’s players has reportedly increased.
In the 2018-19 season, players averaged 2.41 years of experience, but that figure has now risen to 2.62 years for the 2024-25 season.
Although this data assesses a four-year scale, it does not fully account for the many fifth-year players who raise that average further.
Teams like Louisville, Xavier, and Middle Tennessee possess particularly seasoned rosters, with an average experience level close to 3.37 years, a statistic bolstered by their number of fifth-year participants.
“We’re not merely adding another year here; we’re enhancing their prime years,” pointed out Duke coach Jon Scheyer.
Recent trends show that experience plays a crucial role in Final Four success.
In 2022, North Carolina and Villanova each benefited from at least one fifth-year starter.
The following year, similar scenarios played out with teams like San Diego State, Miami, and Florida Atlantic, all of whom included veteran players.
By the end of the previous season, all Final Four teams highlighted experienced players, including contributors to UConn’s championship run and N.C. State’s unexpected Final Four appearance.
In stark contrast, only a single freshman starter has been recorded in the last two Final Fours, illustrating the growing influence of seasoned players.
Sears, who made the decision to return to Alabama, noted the significance of experience.
He expressed his desire to help bring home the Crimson Tide’s first basketball national title.
While coaches recognize the importance of extending eligibility for players impacted by the pandemic, there seems to be a growing consensus that it’s time to return to traditional structures.
Jim Phillips, commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference, emphasized the need for balance so younger players can also find opportunities to play and progress in their careers.
Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that the additional eligibility might have led to chaos, affecting the development of younger players in programs.
Despite the complications in managing rosters, the presence of experienced athletes adds compelling narratives for fans eager to follow familiar faces.
Coaches like Matt McMahon have even made light of these prolonged college careers, joking about their familiarity with players who seem to have been around for decades.
Davis has witnessed a varied college journey since he joined UNC.
He was present during Roy Williams’ final season and played in the unique atmosphere of the 2021 NCAA Tournament held under strict health guidelines.
He later helped propel the Tar Heels to the 2022 championship game, but their journey stumbled as they became the first preseason No. 1 team to miss the NCAA tournament in the following season.
Last year, Davis took his game to another level, becoming the ACC’s leading scorer and setting records along the way, all while guiding North Carolina to a notable season.
“Adapting to change has been a crucial part of my journey,” Davis stated.
Looking ahead, Davis sits fifth on UNC’s all-time scoring list and has the potential to tie former player Tyler Hansbrough for the school’s and ACC’s all-time scoring record if he maintains his scoring pace.
He remains unfazed by this prospect, focusing on proving himself rather than the opinions of others.
Davis is enthusiastic about maximizing his final year, believing that college time is precious and sometimes even four years do not feel sufficient.
“This time here should be embraced regardless of where you are,” Davis quoted with appreciation.