Put more than 10,000 die-hard fans, two of the top teams in college basketball, great coaches, and throw all of those in a pot together; the result you get is the Carolina-Duke rivalry.
There are many different names for this fierce rivalry, one that has been deemed one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports. These two schools, roughly eight miles apart, have been battling on the court for over 90 years. This rivalry has also been the subject of a variety of books and article nation-wide.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University both have been teams regularly seen in the high ranks of college basketball. Both schools are two of the most victorious teams in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball.
Carolina currently leads the all-time series vs. Duke 130-99. Also when it comes to national championships Carolina has five national titles (tied for third all-time) and Duke has four national titles (fifth all-time). Carolina leads the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with the most regular season championships at 27. Duke leads the ACC with the most ACC tournament championships with 18.
So if you put these two on one court wouldn’t you expect to see a great game?
Every time Carolina and Duke play each other it is a competitive game of epic proportions.
“When Duke and North Carolina face off, something special usually happens,” said Dick Vitale, college basketball broadcaster.
When these two teams step on the court there is much intensity, passion, and emotion in the air. This rivalry has an especially strong presence in the state of North Carolina because, no matter who wins the game, it can divide the whole state.
Needless to say, the fans take this rivalry seriously.
The fans are not the most important aspect of this rivalry. The athletes that face-off and the two schools themselves, are vital to the blood that fuels fan contention.
Big name stars have participated in, and made the rivalry what it is today. Basketball legend Michael Jordan saw his share of games against Duke. Also, some great college coaches like Mike Krzyzewski and Dean Smith have held positions in this rivalry. Great coaches and talented players, with a host of loyal fans make for a great rivalry.
When Carolina and Duke come out on the court you can throw the teams’ winning percentages out the window because you know it will always be a surprising match up.
Whether you bleed Carolina Blue, Duke Blue, or just like to watch great basketball then you will never be disappointed. The rivalry continues on Feb. 9 at Cameron Indoor Stadium and then again on Mar. 5 at the Dean Smith Center.
“There is nothing like it, there is no rivalry like this one,” said Coach Krzyzewski, head coach for Duke. “That’s just the way it’s going to be.”