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Celebrating the Legacy of Walter Davis: From UNC Basketball Stardom to NBA Greatness

It is with deep sorrow that we commemorate the life and career of Walter Davis, a true basketball legend. Walter Davis, an NBA All-Star and one of the most celebrated stars in the history of University of North Carolina (UNC) basketball, passed away at the age of 69 on Thursday.

Davis, a proud native of Pineville, North Carolina, left an indelible mark on the world of basketball, renowned as one of the most exceptional shooters to ever don the Tar Heels’ uniform. His basketball journey took an unexpected turn while visiting family in Charlotte, where he passed away due to natural causes, as announced by the university.

The accolades and achievements in Walter Davis’s basketball career are a testament to his immense talent and dedication. As a two-time All-ACC honoree in the 1976-77 season, he showcased his prowess on the court, making significant contributions to the Tar Heels. His senior season was particularly remarkable, as he led North Carolina to an ACC Tournament title and a coveted spot in the NCAA championship game, ultimately losing to Marquette. Davis’s college career in Chapel Hill concluded with an impressive tally of 1,863 points, 670 rebounds, and 409 assists, all under the watchful eye of head coach Dean Smith.

Despite a career filled with accolades, Walter Davis is perhaps best known for his sensational freshman season moment. In 1974, the Tar Heels found themselves trailing their arch-rivals, Duke, by eight points in the final minute of regulation. What transpired in those final 17 seconds would become etched in basketball history. Davis, with incredible poise, sank a game-tying shot at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime. North Carolina ultimately emerged victorious, but Davis’s heroic shot remains one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history. Even as a freshman, he had cemented his place in the annals of Carolina Basketball history.

Before embarking on his NBA journey, Walter Davis had the privilege of representing Team USA at the 1976 Olympics, where they clinched the gold medal. His contributions to UNC were recognized with the ultimate honor – his No. 24 jersey now hangs in the rafters of the Dean E. Smith Center. Additionally, he holds a special place within the Tar Heels’ family, being the uncle of the current North Carolina head coach, Hubert Davis.

The NBA beckoned, and Davis answered the call with distinction. He was chosen as the fifth overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, and in his rookie season, he was named the Rookie of the Year after averaging an impressive 24.2 points per game. Davis’s remarkable NBA career spanned 11 seasons, the majority of which were spent in the Suns’ colors. During his time in Phoenix, he garnered six All-Star selections and two All-NBA selections, firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players. His leadership and scoring prowess propelled the Suns to eight consecutive playoff appearances from 1978 to 1985, including a memorable run to the Western Conference Finals in 1984.

As we reflect on the life and career of Walter Davis, we honor his legacy as a true basketball great, a Tar Heel hero, and an NBA legend. His impact on the sport and his enduring presence in the hearts of fans will forever be cherished. Walter Davis will be remembered as an inspiration to generations of basketball enthusiasts, a testament to the power of passion and talent on the hardwood.walter davis,walter davis death,walter davis cause of death,walter davis death reason,walter davis died,walter davis highlights,walter davis dead,walter davis obituary,walter davis death cause,basketball,walter davis funeral,walter davis basketball,walter davis dies,walter davis nba,walter davis passed away,walter davis has passed away,walter davis death date,walter davis michael jordan,walter davis is dead,walter davis last video,walter davis bey