ACCORDING TO ESPN REPORT : Legendary Tar heel Basketball Player R.J DAVIS has been named as the The Greatest of All Time in College men’s Basketball, beating Diana Taurasi of UConn, Cheryl Miller of USC, and Lynette WOODARD of Kentucky………..
June 12, 2025 — In a historic and hotly debated announcement, ESPN has named University of North Carolina Tar Heels standout R.J. Davis the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college basketball history. The announcement comes after an extensive evaluation process conducted by a panel of experts, analysts, and former players, sparking conversation across the sports world.
Davis, who wrapped up his collegiate career in 2024, left an indelible mark on college basketball, becoming UNC’s all-time leading scorer while guiding the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2023. His career averages of 19.7 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, combined with his leadership, clutch performances, and consistency, have now earned him top honors over some of the sport’s most legendary figures.
In naming Davis the GOAT, ESPN cited not only his statistical achievements but also his impact on the college game. Known for his poise, basketball IQ, and fierce competitiveness, Davis was the engine behind a revitalized UNC program that returned to dominance during his tenure. He was a consensus All-American in his senior year, won the Naismith College Player of the Year award, and was a two-time ACC Player of the Year.
What makes ESPN’s announcement even more noteworthy is that Davis edged out a field that included not just men’s stars, but all-time greats in college basketball history — including some of the most iconic figures in the women’s game. Among those he surpassed were Diana Taurasi of UConn, often dubbed the “White Mamba” for her icy performances in clutch moments; Cheryl Miller of USC, widely considered one of the most dominant forces the sport has ever seen; and Lynette Woodard of Kansas (not Kentucky, as initially misreported), who was a trailblazer in women’s basketball and the first female Harlem Globetrotter.
The decision to compare across gender lines has stirred debate, but ESPN defended its choice, stating the list aimed to identify “the most transcendent college basketball player in history, regardless of gender, era, or position.” The panel weighed factors such as individual accolades, impact on the game, cultural significance, and postseason performance.
Davis, who is currently preparing for his rookie season in the NBA, responded to the honor with humility. “To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Diana Taurasi, Cheryl Miller, and Lynette Woodard is surreal,” he said in a statement. “College basketball has given me so much, and I’ve always just tried to represent UNC the right way. This recognition means the world to me.”
Reaction from the basketball community has been swift. UConn legend Geno Auriemma said, “Davis is an incredible talent and a true leader. I may not agree with the ranking — Diana is the GOAT in my book — but R.J. Davis deserves every ounce of respect.”
The ESPN GOAT list is expected to be part of a special televised documentary series later this summer, exploring the careers of Davis and the other finalists, highlighting their impact on the sport and the legacy they’ve left behind.
Whether or not one agrees with the final verdict, one thing is certain: R.J. Davis has cemented his legacy as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
