UNC basketball legend Walter Davis, Olympic gold medalist and 6-time NBA All-Star, dies at 69

Walter Davis, the University of North Carolina basketball legend and Olympic gold medalist for the United States, passed away at the age of 69 due to “natural causes,” as announced by the school on Thursday.

Davis, who is the uncle of current UNC coach Hubert Davis, was a two-time All-ACC honoree in 1976 and 1977. He played a vital role in leading the Tar Heels to an ACC tournament win and an appearance in the NCAA championship game. Throughout his college career under the guidance of coach Dean Smith, Davis scored an impressive 1,863 points and recorded 670 rebounds and 409 assists.

In addition, Davis was also a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team in 1976, serving as a key player during their victorious journey in the Montreal Olympics. Coach Smith led the team to win the gold medal.

The Phoenix Suns drafted Davis as the fifth pick in the 1977 NBA Draft. He made an instant impact, receiving the 1977-78 Rookie of the Year award and earning six All-Star selections throughout his 15-year NBA career. Davis played for various teams, including the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers. He achieved remarkable stats, making two All-NBA teams and averaging 18.9 points on 51.1 percent shooting, along with 3.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, before retiring in 1992.

However, Davis faced a challenging period marked by one of the biggest drug scandals in NBA history. During the 1986-87 season, which was an All-Star campaign for Davis, he testified against several Suns teammates in a grand jury in Maricopa County (Ariz.). This testimony helped him avoid prosecution while his teammates faced cocaine-related charges. James Edwards, Jay Humphries, and Grant Gondrezick, who played alongside Davis at that time, were all indicted. In response to the charges, Davis checked himself into a rehab clinic for cocaine use. The Suns ultimately traded the three indicted players, while Davis remained with the team for one more season.

A North Carolina native from Pineville, Davis was honored for his contributions to sports by being inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The Suns retired his No. 6 jersey in 1994, and he still holds the record for being Phoenix’s all-time leading scorer.

Davis’ UNC Legacy

In addition to his illustrious basketball career, Davis left a lasting impact on the University of North Carolina. It is worth noting that he is the uncle of Hubert Davis, and Hubert has consistently credited him as the main reason for choosing to attend UNC. Walter’s influence on the program became even more significant when Hubert was appointed head coach in April 2021. His role in shaping the program’s trajectory cannot be overlooked.

Regarding his basketball skills, one of the most vivid memories for many Tar Heel fans is Davis’ game-tying shot against Duke in 1974. This shot, which completed an astounding eight-point comeback in just 17 seconds, remains etched in UNC basketball history even after 50 years. Davis’ clutch performance sent the game to overtime, resulting in a victory for the Tar Heels. Despite being a freshman at the time, he instantly secured his place in UNC basketball lore. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize the 50th anniversary of this legendary shot in light of Davis’ passing. – Brendan Marks, North Carolina staff writer

(Photo: Focus on Sport / Getty Images)