Hubert Davis makes case for Walter Davis to make Hall of Fame

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 14 finalists to be indicated into the 2024 Class, and North Carolina legend Walter Davis was among the group that included Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups and more.

Davis, who passed away in November at age 69, was a two-time All-ACC performer with North Carolina in the mid-1970s and went on to an illustrious pro hoops career, winning a gold medal on Team USA while garnering six All-Star Game appearances during his 11-year tenure with Phoenix as part of a 15-year career.

UNC head coach Hubert Davis was blunt when asked if the former Tar Heel star should ultimately be inducted.

“He should be in the Hall of Fame. Sixteen years in the NBA, seven-time All-Star. Rookie of the Year in 1978. All-American here [at UNC]. He should be in the Hall of Fame. It’s about time and that’s my uncle,” Davis said. “That’s my vote.”

Walter Davis is a legend in Chapel Hill, and is just as highly regarded in the world of the NBA. He’s still the all-time leading scorer in Phoenix Suns’ history as has his No. 6 retired by the team. He’s was enshrined in the Suns’ Ring of Honor in 2004. He spent the final five seasons of his career with the Denver Nuggets splitting time with the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers between 1988 and 1992.

Before Davis ever played in the NBA, he was an Olympic Gold medalist in 1976 and scored 1,863 points, grabbed 670 rebounds and had 409 assists playing for head coach Dean Smith at UNC. In turn, he became the No. 5 pick in the 1977 NBA Draft.

The moment most older fans remember of Davis — his buzzer-beating shot against Duke in 1974. Coming up on the 50th anniversary of the 25-foot shot (there was no 3-point line at that time) that helped lead one of the most miraculous comebacks in Tar Heel and NCAA history. Infamously down eight points with 17 seconds left in the game, head coach Dean Smith called a play for Davis out of a timeout and nailed the bucket from where the 3-point line would be today. It only counted for two, which sent the game into overtime and the Tar Heels would go on to control OT and win the game.

As a freshman, Davis put his name on the map with the shot and has gone down as one of the most iconic moments in college basketball. Even from the beginning he had cemented his place in Carolina men’s basketball history.

50 years later, he’s now on the verge of becoming a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.