Way back in 1983, a year after Michael Jordan won a natty at Chapel Hill, the UNC legend participated in a rivalry for the ages. Of course, in college basketball, proximity often leads to animosity, and that’s exactly the case between UNC and NC State. But this goes far beyond Hubert Davis, Kevin Keatts, and Will Wade… They have gone head-to-head nearly two hundred and fifty times so far, and even MJ succumbed to the intensity of this North Carolina rivalry. The Tar Heels got knocked out by the Wolfpacks in the ACC Tournament semifinals, and watched them win it all during the NCAA Tournament. But is this rivalry still in play?

Well, obviously! Last season’s nail-biter finish and game-winning block really put on display what exactly this means to both schools. They’ve both had their superstars, they’ve both had their rings, but against each other? Both schools play like they’ve never played before. Even though people are more invested in the Duke-UNC rivalry, NC State always has a few tricks up their sleeves against the Tar Heels. 

So, what exactly was the NCAA thinking when it cut short the number of rivalry games that Will Wade and Hubert Davis will be playing against each other? Reporter and analyst Tim Donnelly analysed this turn of events on his show, The Drive w/ Tim Donnelly. “UNC is not playing NC State twice. NC State is playing Virginia twice, UNC is playing Syracuse twice, and they’re not playing each other twice. This is the first time in over 100 years.” He said, reacting incredulously to the coming schedule. “The Dean Dome will not be hosting NC State for the first time since it was built.” And that’s a big thing! 

The Tobacco Road showdown is not taken lightly in college basketball, and cutting down any rivalry games shouldn’t make sense for the NCAA. After all, there’s a lot riding on every bucket, on every decision of the players, and that’s when it is most fun! Even Tyler Hansbrough, UNC legend, said that he “dislikes State more”. This is something that most alumni mention, and the reasons are almost never the same. 

Simply put, some UNC fans just hate NC State because they like being North Carolina’s sole representative, while others find it disrespectful for the Wolfpacks to be considered rivals to the Tar Heels. But Donnelly focused on the matter at hand, and had a very important reality check for the NCAA and ACC. “The ACC doesn’t know what they’re doing here.” He said. “They don’t understand how badly they’re messing this up. They’re forgetting the secret ingredient of college sports which is emotion.”

Emotion is what drives rivalries, and it motivates fans and players to give it their all. Not to mention, the coaches themselves don’t have much experience with this rivalry in particular. It is Will Wade’s first year over at NC State, while Davis is entering into his fifth. There’s no doubt that the rivalry is only starting for these two beginning coaches, but what is the ACC missing exactly? Let’s find out!

ESPN broadcaster sheds light on NCAA’s big Hubert Davis and Will Wade blunder

Who doesn’t love rivalries in sport. They keep the game fresh, they build up the viewership, and the they increase the overall fun factor. However, the rivalry between NC State and the Tar Heels is anything but fun. The newest Tar Heels consider the Wolfpack far beneath them, and only consider Duke as their proper rivals, meanwhile NC State is undergoing a small resurgence of its own. 

A new addition, Will Wade has joined the fray to go head-to-head against Hubert Davis and his Tar Heels. But after getting a UNC home game cut from schedule this year, Tim Donnelly talked about exactly why the organizers made a mistake. “It’s the rivalry, it’s the playing for your color, it’s the singing the alma mater. It is the fact that students and alumni can say ‘we’ when talking about the team.” The ESPN broadcaster said, explaining exactly why these rivalries are important. “You don’t get rid of rivalry games cause it bubbles to the surface all of that secret ingredient I just mentioned. You don’t get rid of rivalry games, you build them up.”

Hubert Davis is inheriting a legacy of greatness on his part, while Will Wade is stepping into sheer madness. UNC leads the rivalry 168-81, and there’s a tall task ahead of the newest Wolfpacks head coach during his tenure at State.

The ACC’s decision comes at a time when both programs need these games to stay relevant, especially as the conference’s national clout wanes and broadcasters like ESPN lean on Tobacco Road drama to drive viewership.

It will be quite interesting to see if NC State can get their revenge after last year’s disappointing finish, and if they’ll be able to turn their fortunes around with a fresh start.

After all, State has quite an illustrious history. The program has two championships, and has one of the greatest NBA players of all time as their alumni, David Thompson. However, UNC might trump them in terms of nattys, overall talent, and accomplishments. The ball is in Will Wade and Hubert Davis’ court. Can they keep this rivalry alive and well? Only time will tell.