UNC fans might still be nursing the sting from their first-round exit against VCU in the NCAA Tournament, but there's a silver lining that’s sure to lift their spirits: watching arch-rival Duke stumble.
Duke's recent loss was particularly dramatic. They squandered a hefty 19-point lead, only to see their Final Four dreams dashed by a last-second three-pointer from UConn, following a costly turnover. While UNC’s early exit was tough, seeing Duke falter in such a fashion with so much on the line is a different level of heartbreak.
This twist of fate didn’t go unnoticed by former UNC star Kennedy Meeks, who took to social media with a timely reminder for former Duke standout Jay Williams. Williams, who had previously questioned UNC's status among the elite "blue bloods" of college basketball, might have to reconsider his stance.
Kennedy Meeks’ tweet, "Ohh Jay Williams!!!!! 👀👀," perfectly captures the sentiment of Tar Heels faithful, who are reveling in Duke's misfortune.
Williams might argue about UNC's recent struggles, but the Tar Heels have a more recent national title to their name, claiming the championship in 2017 compared to Duke’s last in 2015. And let’s not forget, UNC was in the championship game as recently as 2022.
Since the departure of Coach K, Duke hasn’t quite recaptured its championship form. Until they do, Williams might want to hold back on his critiques. Duke fans can point out their team made it far, but falling short with a Final Four spot within reach is a tough pill to swallow.
As Duke heads back to Durham, UNC fans have another chapter to add to their storied rivalry, one that they’ll be more than happy to remind the Blue Devils about.