North Carolina vs. NC State: A Rivalry Renewed with Extra Fire
Tuesday night in Raleigh won't just be another chapter in the storied North Carolina-NC State rivalry - it’s shaping up to be a high-stakes clash fueled by pride, tension, and more than a little bit of bulletin board material.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just another ACC matchup. These two programs don’t like each other - and that’s putting it mildly. The rivalry has always carried weight, but there’s an added edge this time around, thanks in part to some pointed comments from NC State head coach Will Wade earlier in the season.
Back in November, Wade made waves with a postgame remark about forward Ven-Allen Lubin, saying, *“Second game he's picked up a foul before the first media. That's made him more timid cause he's not used to playing for a coach that won't foul him out by sitting him on the bench.
Thought he was great tonight.” * The implication?
That Lubin’s previous coaching - a not-so-subtle reference to UNC’s Hubert Davis - didn’t put him in the best position to succeed.
That comment didn’t go unnoticed in Chapel Hill. Neither did Wade’s earlier remarks from last summer, where he seemed to question North Carolina’s development of Lubin. Whether intentional or not, those jabs have added fuel to a rivalry that already burns hot.
Now, the Tar Heels head into PNC Arena looking not just for a conference win, but for a little redemption. And while this isn’t Duke-UNC, don’t think for a second that Hubert Davis and his squad aren’t locked in for this one.
But the road ahead isn’t without its challenges.
North Carolina is still without 5-star freshman Caleb Wilson, who remains sidelined with a fracture in his left hand. His absence has forced the Tar Heels to adjust their rotations and lean more heavily on their depth.
Another key piece, Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar, remains questionable after missing Saturday’s win over Pitt due to a minor injury and illness. Davis noted on Monday that Veesaar is improving, but his status for Tuesday remains uncertain.
If Veesaar can’t go, UNC will once again look to Seth Trimble, Jarin Stevenson, and Zayden High to step up - and based on their recent performance, the Heels have reason to be optimistic. Stevenson poured in 19 points against Pitt, while High notched a career-best 15, taking full advantage of his increased minutes. That kind of production will be crucial if the Tar Heels are going to weather the storm in Raleigh.
Make no mistake: this game has been circled on calendars for a while. The tension, the history, and the added spice from Wade’s comments have all set the stage for a showdown that goes beyond the box score.
It’s rivalry basketball in the ACC - and it doesn’t get much better than that.