Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Candida Lucia
RJ Davis is an American professional basketball player best known for his outstanding college basketball career with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Born on October 21, 2001, in White Plains, New York, Davis became one of the most accomplished guards in University of North Carolina history. After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, he began his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers organization before signing a training camp contract with the San Antonio Spurs in September 2026. Behind his basketball achievements is a supportive family that has played an important role in his development.
RJ Davis’s family includes his father, Robert Davis, his mother, Venessa Davis, and his younger brother, Bryce Davis. His father is a former college basketball star who became Mercy University’s all-time leading scorer, while his mother is a school psychologist. Davis has also attracted attention for his relationship with fellow basketball player Deja Kelly, whom he began dating during their time at North Carolina.
RJ Davis’s Girlfriend: Who Is Deja Kelly?
RJ Davis was publicly in a relationship with Deja Kelly, an American professional basketball player who also represented the University of North Carolina. The couple began dating in late 2022 and became one of the most recognizable basketball couples in college sports.
Deja Kelly was born on September 8, 2001, in San Antonio, Texas. Like Davis, she grew up in a family with strong basketball connections and developed into a highly regarded player during her high school years.
Kelly attended the University of North Carolina, where she became an important member of the Tar Heels women’s basketball team. During the same period, RJ represented the university’s men’s basketball program, allowing the two athletes to share similar experiences and professional ambitions.
Their relationship became public through photographs, videos and social media posts documenting their time together.
In December 2023, Davis and Kelly celebrated their first anniversary as a couple. Kelly shared a TikTok video commemorating the occasion, confirming that their relationship began in December 2022.
The couple also shared photographs from vacations and appeared together wearing their North Carolina basketball uniforms.
In March 2024, People magazine published a profile of Deja Kelly, identifying her as RJ Davis’s girlfriend and discussing their relationship, basketball careers and public appearances.
Are RJ Davis and Deja Kelly Still Together?
RJ Davis and Deja Kelly were publicly confirmed as a couple in 2024. However, their relationship status became less clear after Kelly transferred from North Carolina to the University of Oregon for the 2024-25 college basketball season.
In March 2025, Athlon Sports reported that Davis and Kelly had previously been in a relationship but noted that their current romantic status was uncertain.
Neither athlete had publicly confirmed a breakup in the reporting available at that time.
As of now, there is insufficient reliable public information to establish whether RJ Davis and Deja Kelly remain together. Kelly is his most widely documented romantic partner, but identifying her as his current girlfriend without more recent confirmation would be speculative.
RJ Davis’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There is no publicly verified information indicating that RJ Davis has children. The former North Carolina basketball star has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and established biographical sources do not identify him as a father.
Much of the publicly available information about Davis’s personal life focuses on his relationship with Deja Kelly, his parents and his younger brother.
Since completing his college basketball career in 2025, Davis has concentrated on establishing himself in professional basketball.
Following his time with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League, he joined the San Antonio Spurs on a training camp contract in September 2026.
Although Davis occasionally shares personal moments on social media, he has not publicly confirmed having children from any relationship.
As of now, RJ Davis has no publicly confirmed children.
RJ Davis’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
RJ Davis was born to Robert Davis and Venessa Davis in White Plains, New York. His parents played significant roles in shaping his basketball career, emphasizing discipline, education, confidence and respect for others.
His father introduced him to the competitive side of basketball, while his mother helped develop the personal values and positive attitude that became important characteristics of his career.
Both parents were actively involved in his childhood, frequently accompanying him to basketball practices, tournaments and other sporting activities.
RJ Davis’s Father: Robert Davis
Robert Davis, also known as Robert Davis Sr., is RJ Davis’s father and a former college basketball player who established an impressive scoring record at Mercy College, now known as Mercy University, in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
Robert played college basketball from 1982 to 1986 and became the university’s all-time leading scorer with 2,118 career points.
Remarkably, he achieved that scoring total before the introduction of the three-point line in his college games.
During his career, Robert earned multiple conference honors and became one of the most accomplished players in Mercy’s basketball history.
He averaged 25.7 points per game during his senior season and recorded a career-high 44 points in his final college appearance.
His achievements eventually earned him induction into Mercy University’s Athletics Hall of Fame, and his number 10 jersey was retired in recognition of his contributions.
After completing his college education, Robert pursued a professional career in finance. Mercy University’s official biography identifies him as a business administration graduate who worked for Louis Dreyfus in Wilton, Connecticut, including as an assistant finance manager.
Despite his professional responsibilities, Robert remained closely involved in his son’s basketball development.
He began training RJ during childhood, teaching him fundamental skills, shooting techniques and the importance of playing aggressively against taller opponents.
In a January 2023 interview with The News & Observer, Robert explained that he encouraged his son to develop his midrange shooting and floater because smaller guards needed different ways to score against taller defenders.
Robert also encouraged RJ to participate in several sports rather than limiting him to basketball from an early age.
As RJ’s basketball abilities became more evident, his father helped him improve his jump shot through backyard practice sessions.
Robert’s experience as a successful college basketball player provided valuable guidance as RJ progressed through Archbishop Stepinac High School and eventually joined the University of North Carolina.
The father-son relationship has remained important throughout Davis’s basketball journey, with Robert frequently attending games and supporting his son’s development.
RJ Davis’s Mother: Venessa Davis
Venessa Davis is RJ Davis’s mother and a school psychologist who has played an important role in raising him and his younger brother, Bryce.
Venessa has supported RJ’s basketball career since childhood, balancing her professional responsibilities with attending games, traveling to tournaments and encouraging her son’s educational development.
Unlike Robert, whose basketball background emphasized competitive intensity, Venessa helped instill patience, kindness and emotional maturity in her children.
In a February 2024 interview with The News & Observer, she described RJ as a respectful and considerate young man whose personality reflected the values he learned at home.
Venessa also recalled signs of her son’s athletic abilities during his early childhood.
According to the interview, RJ was an energetic child who enjoyed playing with balls, running around the house and participating in different physical activities.
His mother affectionately nicknamed him “Weasel” because of his energetic and determined personality.
The nickname remained part of their family relationship even after RJ developed into a nationally recognized college basketball player.
Venessa also helped create a welcoming environment for RJ’s childhood friends and basketball teammates.
During his years playing Amateur Athletic Union basketball, the Davis household frequently hosted teammates and their families, helping establish friendships that continued beyond youth sports.
She remembered these experiences as an important period in her family’s life, particularly because of the close relationships developed with other parents and children.
In addition to supporting RJ’s sporting ambitions, Venessa emphasized the importance of education and maintaining strong family connections.
Her influence was evident as RJ became known for his leadership and positive relationships with teammates during his five seasons at North Carolina.
RJ Davis’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
RJ Davis has one publicly documented sibling, a younger brother named Bryce Davis. The brothers grew up together in White Plains, New York, and developed a close relationship through their shared childhood experiences.
According to Mercy University’s official athletics biography of their father, Robert and Venessa Davis raised two sons, Robert Junior and Bryce.
Bryce Davis – RJ Davis’s Younger Brother
Bryce Davis is RJ Davis’s younger brother. Although RJ became nationally recognized through his college basketball career, Bryce has maintained a considerably lower public profile.
The brothers spent their childhood participating in family activities, traveling together and supporting each other.
In a February 2024 profile published by The News & Observer, RJ’s parents described the close relationship between their sons.
During childhood, RJ and Bryce frequently traveled with their cousin Chris while their father drove the family to basketball tournaments across the country.
The three boys spent long hours together in the family’s vehicle, playing games, talking and enjoying road trips.
These experiences became cherished childhood memories for the Davis family.
As RJ’s basketball commitments increased, the brothers maintained regular communication despite spending time in different locations.
The News & Observer reported that RJ and Bryce spoke several times each week, sometimes communicating while playing video games online.
The family also enjoyed spending time together during holidays and weekend visits, particularly when RJ returned home from North Carolina.
One lighthearted family tradition involved the brothers playing with Diggy, their Yorkshire Terrier, who had been part of the household for many years.
Although Bryce has maintained his privacy, the available family interviews demonstrate that the relationship between the brothers has remained an important part of RJ’s life.
RJ Davis’s Extended Family and Cousin Chris
In addition to his parents and younger brother, RJ Davis has spoken about the importance of his extended family.
His cousin Chris was particularly close to RJ and Bryce during childhood.
The three regularly accompanied Robert Davis on basketball road trips and developed a strong friendship through their shared experiences.
Their families participated in youth basketball activities together, creating an extended support network that helped RJ develop his confidence and social skills.
RJ’s paternal family also has a basketball tradition. His father grew up with several brothers who played the sport, contributing to an environment where basketball was a familiar part of family life.
These connections helped establish the values of competition, teamwork and determination that later influenced RJ’s playing career.
Is RJ Davis Related to Hubert Davis?
Despite sharing the same surname, RJ Davis is not known to be related to former North Carolina basketball coach Hubert Davis.
Hubert Davis coached RJ during most of his college basketball career at the University of North Carolina.
In an interview with David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network, RJ directly addressed questions about their shared surname and acknowledged that people sometimes mistakenly assumed Hubert was his uncle.
However, their relationship was professional rather than familial.
RJ’s biological father is Robert Davis, the former Mercy College basketball standout.
Nevertheless, Hubert became an important mentor during RJ’s time at North Carolina, helping him develop his leadership abilities and confidence.
How RJ Davis’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
RJ Davis’s basketball journey began in White Plains, New York, where his parents encouraged him to participate in several sports during childhood.
He played football, soccer, lacrosse and basketball before eventually concentrating on basketball.
His father provided technical instruction and helped him develop the aggressive playing mentality that later became an important part of his identity.
RJ joined the New York Gauchos, a well-known Amateur Athletic Union basketball program, where he regularly competed against older and physically stronger players.
Although he was often smaller than his opponents, his determination and shooting abilities helped him become a successful guard.
He subsequently attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, developing into one of New York’s leading high school basketball prospects.
During his senior season, Davis averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
His performances earned him the 2020 New York Mr. Basketball award and recognition as a McDonald’s All-American.
With encouragement from his family, Davis committed to the University of North Carolina, joining the Tar Heels for the 2020-21 season.
During his five-year college career, he developed into one of the most decorated guards in program history.
In the 2023-24 season, Davis earned ACC Player of the Year honors, the Jerry West Award and consensus first-team All-America recognition.
He completed his North Carolina career with 2,710 points, ranking second in school history and third in Atlantic Coast Conference history.
After going undrafted in 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers organization and later played for its NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
In September 2026, the San Antonio Spurs signed Davis to a non-guaranteed training camp contract, giving him an opportunity to compete for a place in the organization.
Throughout his journey, the support of Robert, Venessa and Bryce Davis remained an important part of his personal development.
Frequently Asked Questions About RJ Davis’s Family
Who is RJ Davis’s girlfriend?
RJ Davis was publicly in a relationship with basketball player Deja Kelly, whom he began dating in December 2022. Their current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
Are RJ Davis and Deja Kelly still dating?
RJ Davis and Deja Kelly were confirmed as a couple in 2024. However, there is insufficient recent public information to determine whether they remain together as of now.
Is RJ Davis married?
There are no verified public reports indicating that RJ Davis is married or has a wife.
Does RJ Davis have children?
There is no publicly confirmed information indicating that RJ Davis has any children.
Who is RJ Davis’s father?
His father is Robert Davis, a former Mercy College basketball player who scored 2,118 career points and became the university’s all-time leading scorer.
Who is RJ Davis’s mother?
His mother is Venessa Davis, a school psychologist who supported his education and basketball development throughout childhood.
Does RJ Davis have any siblings?
Yes. RJ Davis has one publicly documented sibling, a younger brother named Bryce Davis.
Who is RJ Davis’s brother?
His younger brother is Bryce Davis. The brothers grew up together in White Plains, New York, and have maintained a close relationship.
Is RJ Davis related to Hubert Davis?
No known family relationship exists between RJ Davis and Hubert Davis. Hubert was his college basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, while RJ’s father is Robert Davis.
Where is RJ Davis’s family from?
RJ Davis and his immediate family are from White Plains, New York, United States, where he spent his childhood before attending the University of North Carolina.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
