By Pat Welter

RJ Davis, a guard for UNC, possesses a diverse set of skills. He excels in shooting from the perimeter, driving to the basket, executing floaters, making step back three-pointers, and playing strong defense. As a result, he is currently the top scorer in the ACC and a key player on the top-ranked team in the conference. It seems appropriate that his signature dish would be a flavorful burrito.

RJ stated that he is a fan of large burritos and has a particular fondness for shrimp. We were seated together at a table in O’YA Cantina located in Chapel Hill. This marks the third year since the implementation of NCAA NIL regulations that RJ’s Cajun shrimp burrito has been offered at the restaurant.

“I believe the burrito communicated with RJ,” stated the senior guard for the Tar Heels. “We incorporated shrimp, one of my preferred ingredients, and the combination of sauce, beans, and rice adds a delicious Mexican taste.”

RJ collaborated with O’YA Cantina owner David Sadeghi to create the burrito recipe.

“We collaborated in cooking a variety of dishes and one in particular became a favorite among everyone,” Sadeghi shared. “We created our own Cajun seasoning for the shrimp.”

Sadeghi is the proprietor of Town Hall Grill in Chapel Hill, with additional branches scattered throughout the Triangle area. He has been a devoted supporter of the Tar Heels since relocating to North Carolina in 1999, and eagerly seized the opportunity for NIL involvement when it presented itself.

The food options at Town Hall Grill, inspired by UNC players, featured Armando Bacot’s “Mondo Burger.” Leaky Black had his own chicken tenders and this year, the menu includes Elliot Cadeau’s Chicken and Waffle sandwich. RJ’s burrito can only be found at O’YA Cantina.

Sadeghi mentioned that the success of the boys affects the sales of UNC-related food. Two years ago, there was a high demand for these products, but last year saw a decline in sales for everyone. This is not just limited to our business, but all businesses in Chapel Hill suffer when the Tar Heels are not performing well.

Thankfully, Sadeghi is benefiting from RJ Davis’ most successful season yet.

When I asked RJ about finally receiving national recognition, he expressed his gratitude and said it was meaningful to see the payoff from all of his hard work.

In January, achieving a personal record of thirty-six points against Wake Forest was a satisfying experience.

“I glanced at the jumbotron and saw that I had tied my career high with thirty points, so I thought to myself, ‘I need to score at least two more points.’ RJ chuckled. “Fortunately, my teammates were able to assist me and put me in a good position to achieve thirty-six points. It’s a moment that I will always hold dear.”

It’s been great to see RJ smile again. Last year he and Armando Bacot had to face tough questions and criticism all season long culminating in them missing the NCAA tournament a season after making the national title game. Ironically the loss to Kansas was re-airing on the O’YA Cantina television while we were waiting to eat.

“I didn’t expect last year to go the way it did, especially after our Final Four run,” RJ stated. “Now, in my senior year, I want to redefine my legacy and just enjoy the experience.”

According to RJ, he never thought about changing schools after UNC’s season came to a close with a defeat against Virginia in the ACC tournament and the team chose not to participate in the NIT.

RJ expressed that he believed the job was incomplete and he didn’t feel like he had accomplished anything. Despite participating in the national championship game, they lost and he did not make it to the NCAA tournament during his junior year, which left him feeling that the job was not completed.

RJ expressed that he was not currently prepared to consider the possibility of a fifth year at UNC, unlike his teammate Armando Bacot. However, he was prepared to enjoy his burrito, which he had not eaten in a while.

I exclaimed in surprise as I tasted the sliced burrito. The combination of warm shrimp and Cajun seasoning immediately awakened my taste buds.

“What are your thoughts?” RJ inquired as he took a bite of his.

I stated that it’s similar to a shrimp rice bowl, but condensed in a single bite.

RJ’s passion for food is only matched by his love for fashion, aside from basketball. He shared that he discovered his interest in fashion during his senior year of high school and enjoys browsing for vintage garments.

RJ expressed his admiration for NBA players, specifically Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who he looks up to for fashion inspiration. He enjoys experimenting with new clothing styles as a way to express himself.

RJ expressed a desire to start a fashion label. I proposed that his logo could be his “three point goggle” celebration.

“That could be difficult,” RJ chuckled.

Tar Heel supporters have had to get used to seeing RJ’s ex-teammate sporting a different team’s colors. Caleb Love is experiencing a successful season with the Arizona Wildcats. Love made the decision to transfer after a disappointing season last year. RJ confessed that he and Love allowed outside opinions to affect their relationship.

RJ expressed that it was challenging to handle both compliments and critiques simultaneously. Despite this, he and C-Love remain close brothers. While C-Love excels at Arizona, RJ is thriving at UNC. There has never been any animosity between the two of them. They have always had each other’s best interests in mind and it just so happens that things have worked out positively for both of them. RJ is extremely pleased with C-Love’s performance and his own.

“I still communicate with him occasionally and we maintain our brotherly bond,” RJ stated. “Sometimes change is necessary, and that’s what occurred this year.”

Whatever chemistry issues might have existed between RJ and Love, there seem to be none with this year’s squad. Hubert Davis has repeatedly talked about how rare it is to see a team enjoy each other’s company like this. RJ said he thinks they have the right ingredients to win it all.

RJ expressed that the chemistry within the team is strong and they do a great job of involving everyone. A major factor in their success is their focus on defense and their determination to be a top defensive team.

RJ concluded, “We desire it, we aim to triumph.”

The individual components have their own value, but when combined, they create something greater. This reminds me that I still need to finish my burrito.

“Here’s your burrito, man,” RJ chuckled as he took a large bite.

Source: wralsportsfan.com