Elijah Davis experienced an unforgettable moment during the Tar Heels’ commanding 99-51 victory over East Carolina at the Smith Center. As time wound down, Elijah, the son of UNC head coach Hubert Davis, confidently launched a long-range three-pointer that swished through the net. Reflecting on the experience, Elijah admitted, “I blacked out… kind of like a flashback of everything.”
Having transferred to UNC from the University of Lynchburg, where he competed at the Division 3 level, Elijah had faced challenges, including a significant hamstring injury that left him sidelined for eight weeks. During his recovery, he contemplated stepping away from basketball completely. “I ain’t talk to my parents. I made a decision: I was done,” he shared. His determination eventually led him to UNC, but he had yet to score until that pivotal moment against East Carolina.
His teammate, senior guard Seth Trimble, had predicted that Elijah would make a significant impact that night. “I said, ‘You’re gonna make your first three today,’” Trimble recalled, noting that Elijah’s shooting looked good from the moment it left his hands.
Elijah’s unorthodox shooting style differs from his father’s textbook form, which thrilled fans during Hubert Davis’s own playing career. At the press conference after the game, Hubert Davis was visibly emotional as he discussed his son’s achievement. “I try to be head coach and not dad,” he said with a smile, overwhelmed by pride.
The joyous atmosphere didn’t stop there; the entire team celebrated Elijah’s moment. Teammates jumped off the bench and the crowd erupted, further underscoring the strong bond within the Tar Heels. Freshman Caleb Wilson even showcased his athleticism with an impressive leap into the student section, while Henri Veesaar insisted on including Elijah in media interviews after his performance. “It just speaks to the chemistry of this team,” Hubert Davis remarked, emphasizing the camaraderie that has developed among his players.
Elijah Davis, humorously likened his role to Alfred from Batman, stating, “I do all the dirty work… so Seth and Henri can go out and hoop.” His resilience and dedication culminated in a moment that not only fulfilled a personal dream but also exemplified the thriving spirit of the UNC basketball team.
With his first point scored at such a significant moment, it seems Elijah Davis is finding his place on the court while contributing to a team that embraces him as one of their own.