North Carolina Tar Heels Rising Star Jae’Lyn Withers Surprised Tar Heels Head Coach Hubert Davis with a Brand new Car Worth…
In a moment that left the entire North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program buzzing, rising star forward Jae’Lyn Withers stunned head coach Hubert Davis by presenting him with a brand-new luxury car — a gesture of gratitude that no one saw coming.
Withers, a transfer from Louisville and a standout presence on the court this past season, orchestrated the surprise in front of the team at the Dean E. Smith Center. The car, a sleek black Tesla Model X reportedly worth over $100,000, was parked just outside the facility with a giant Carolina blue bow resting on the hood.
Coach Davis, known for his calm and collected demeanor, was visibly emotional when he stepped outside and saw the gift. Surrounded by players, assistant coaches, and staff members, he appeared momentarily speechless before embracing Withers.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Davis said, choking back emotion. “This is overwhelming. I’ve always told our guys that coaching is about relationships first, basketball second. But this… this is next level.”
For Withers, the gesture was more than just a flashy present. It was deeply personal.
“Coach Davis believed in me when I needed it most,” Withers told reporters after the surprise. “Transferring schools isn’t easy, and there were times I doubted myself. But he never did. He poured into me — not just as a player, but as a person. I just wanted to show him how much that meant to me.”
Withers averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in the 2024-2025 season and became a key figure in the Tar Heels’ rotation. Known for his explosive athleticism, high motor, and growing leadership presence, he quickly became a fan favorite in Chapel Hill. Off the court, teammates describe him as humble, thoughtful, and quietly generous — traits that were on full display with this heartfelt gesture.
While NCAA rules have changed dramatically with the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, it’s still rare to see a student-athlete give back in such a grand way to a coach. Withers, who has landed multiple NIL endorsements with national athletic and apparel brands, reportedly paid for the vehicle himself.
The surprise made waves on social media, with former players, fans, and even celebrities reacting with admiration. “That’s love,” former Tar Heel star and NBA veteran Ty Lawson posted on Instagram. “Much respect to Jae’Lyn for doing something that powerful.”
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