History in the Making (Again): Tobacco Road Blue Bloods Battle

As soon as the Tar Heels started their dominant performance in the first half against Saint Peter’s University, my heart started racing. Not that I believed the Peacocks were a threat to come back, but I knew the game that everyone wanted and some Tar Heels wanted to avoid was set. University of North Carolina, the flagship public institution of the state, versus Duke University, the private elite institution that some have nicknamed: The University of New Jersey at Durham. It’s on!

In full disclosure, having graduated and played basketball at the University of Virginia, my love for UNC athletics took some years to develop. At ACC schools, we are taught “ABC – Anybody But Carolina.” When I arrived back in Chapel Hill in the fall of 2007, I was warmly met by coaches such as the Field Hockey Coach, Karen Shelton. I felt at home because I had coaches who were my friends when I was UNC graduate student and assistant women’s basketball coach in the mid-1980s. As a new professor, I was purposeful in spending time with UNC athletes to learn their experiences and daily challenges while participating in such a thick and arguably, quite unhealthy, sports culture. Winning championships is expected at UNC. I needed to really know the players to better cheer for and love them. I learned to fully appreciate the “pressure cooker” they live in to maximize their gifts at this precious time in their lives and to keep us smiling as fans.

Well, the game of games is upon us. I expect TBS viewership records to be broken on Saturday night. Anyone who is tuned in to American Idol during this time slot is a lost soul. If there is anything better to do than scream at the television with family and friends, I don’t want to know about it. I expect a very physical ball game, which means that the referees might have too much of a say in the outcome. Anyone who knows college basketball understands that much of Duke’s success is based on intimidation and controlling where one moves on the court. That includes a long history of flopping, which Coach K cleaned up over the past several years, and pulling and holding onto the opponent’s jersey. And of course, one has to respect that style of play, which has garnered many championships. It works over and over again – especially when you have talent.

So, the “1 and done” vs. “Pay Your Dues” leading basketball teams in the Triangle will battle for a chance to play for the title. I would not be surprised that both teams expend all their mental and physical stamina in this first game. The chatter amongst friends has already been hot and heavy. If it weren’t for Will Smith smacking Chris Rock at the Oscars event, it may have been the #1 non-political news story. I am hopeful that TBS doesn’t make the same mistake as ESPN did on March 5th at Cameron Indoor Stadium by keying up videos and tributes to Coach K that overrode the game and supported their expected outcome.

So, here are some takes from Tar Heel alums who aren’t shy in their passion for basketball. Note: Cannon and Wilson played on the UNC women’s basketball team.

Cameron Belton ‘11 – “This is the first Carolina vs. Duke game that I am not looking forward to. I am fully aware I am putting my health in danger by watching, but seeing Coach K throw another tantrum will be worth it.”

Darlene Cannon ‘87 – “UNC vs. Duke in the Final Four will be an epic, heart wrenching game that will be talked about for years to come! Everyone will witness why this is the ‘greatest rivalry’ in college sports!”

David Fox ‘13 – “This game is a culmination of so many things… Coach Davis’ first Final Four of many, Coach K’s last Final Four, and hopefully, his last game ever. I didn’t think it was possible to hate Duke more, but this Final Four matchup has magnified everything. The nervous excitement is real, and I cannot wait to put the final nail in Coach K’s retirement.”

Katherine Ross ‘17 – It’s hard to fathom the depth of what this game means not just to Carolina, but to the rivalry as a whole. This game is one that we will either tell our grandchildren about or we will never want to speak of again. Also, I think Roy’s comments on the Final Four run tell you everything you need to know about Carolina Basketball. The genuine pride that Roy had for Hubert and for this team shows the kind of man he is and the kind of program he built. He could take credit for setting up this success, and I think another unnamed coach probably would, but instead he gave credit where credit is due.”

Nicho Stevens ‘21 – “I’m both excited and extremely nervous about the game on Saturday. A win would mean one of the biggest moments in sports history, in the first year of Hubert Davis’ career as head coach, no less. This UNC team has shocked the nation throughout this whole tournament, and I believe they can do it again against Duke!”

Kathy Wilson ‘88 – “This is a truly historic rivalry game between UNC and Duke! Coach Davis’s first Final Four and Coach K’s last – you couldn’t have scripted it any better! I am truly honored, as a member of the Carolina Basketball family, to be able to witness this game. Go Heels!”

Although it won’t feel like it if the Tar Heels aren’t victorious in the Final Four, all is truly well in Chapel Hill. History has been made. Coach Davis and his staff have proven that the Carolina Way can be updated to produce a winning team. The players have brought us great joy this season – none bigger than 94-81. Coach Roy looks great applauding passionately for his young men. Let’s all be thankful for the opportunity to experience eustress in light of the pandemic, foreign affairs in the Russia-Ukraine war, economic instability, and a lack of civility where we least expect it. And remember, the sky is always Carolina Blue. Go Heels! #GDTBATH


“Never Too Far” contains perspectives and insights from an inquisitive and engaged Orange County transplant from Philly. Deborah Stroman is an entrepreneur and UNC leadership professor who has seen too much and not enough, and thus continues to question and explore the thoughts and actions of humankind.


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