- RJ Davis emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and composure against Duke.
- He highlights the need to take each possession seriously in a back-and-forth game.
- The Tar Heels aim to prove they can still make a tournament run despite a tough season.
RJ Davis is determined to help UNC overcome its recent struggles as the Tar Heels prepare to face the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Despite going through a challenging stretch, Davis believes the team can still find its rhythm and make a push toward the NCAA Tournament, just as they did in 2022.
Davis, who has a 3-1 record at Duke’s arena, outlined the three keys to success for the Tar Heels: mental readiness, taking it possession by possession, and sticking together as a team.
RJ Davis Eyes Upset as UNC Looks to Prove Itself at Duke
Ahead of his final game at Duke, RJ Davis is reflecting on his previous success in the intense rivalry, with a 3-1 record at Cameron Indoor. Despite a tough season, Davis remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around. He’s drawing inspiration from the 2022 season when the Tar Heels made an unexpected run to the NCAA championship game, hoping the same mindset will help them overcome their current struggles.
Davis believes the key to success lies in mental preparation. The atmosphere at Cameron is notoriously hostile, with the “Cameron Crazies” creating a challenging environment. He stresses the importance of being mentally prepared to play in such a high-pressure game, where distractions can easily derail a team’s performance. Davis knows that if UNC can handle the noise, they’ll be in a better position to compete.
The second crucial factor, according to Davis, is treating the game one possession at a time. He acknowledges that games against Duke are often a back-and-forth battle, and every possession matters. Whether it’s a crucial shot or a defensive stop, Davis knows that UNC needs to be fully focused on executing throughout the game.
Finally, Davis highlighted the importance of staying united as a team. In a rivalry game like this, emotions can run high, and the Tar Heels must stay composed. He believes that maintaining team cohesion and blocking out the external noise will be critical for UNC to come out on top and give themselves a chance to salvage their season.
UNC’s chances of upsetting Duke at Cameron Indoor will depend largely on their ability to stay focused, trust each other, and execute under pressure.
“Just continue to keep fighting, and that’s what we’re gonna do.” – RJ Davis
