Former UNC basketball players react to Tar Heels’ win over Duke
Former UNC basketball players react on social media to Tar Heels’ big win over Blue Devils
In what turned out to be one of the greatest upsets in the history of the greatest rivalry in college basketball, the North Carolina Tar Heels beat the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Coach K’s final home game.
It was an intense atmosphere from the start, with upwards of 100 former Duke players in the stands to send their beloved coach out the right way: with a victory over their hated rival.
Only, it didn’t go that way, as the Tar Heels had other plans in mind.
And with one of the best halves we’ve seen from a North Carolina team over the past three seasons, the Tar Heels took a two-point deficit into the second half and beat the Blue Devils by 15 following the intermission. Once the final buzzer sounded and the score read 94-81, a dejected Duke crowd was as blue as the shirts they were wearing.
North Carolina players, coaches, alumni, and fans felt a bit differently, though, and their emphatic reactions could be seen on the court, in the locker room, and especially over social media outlets. From former coaches and players to a retired future Hall-of-Fame football player and more, we captured a number of those reactions and posted them below for your enjoyment. Take a look.
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2017 national champion, Justin Jackson
LETSSSS FREAKINGGGGG GOOOO! #GDTBATH
— Justin Jackson (@JJacks_44) March 6, 2022
UNC basketball player from 2012-2016, Brice Johnson
😘✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/6a4DzcDGCZ
— Brice Johnson (@bjohnson_23) March 6, 2022
Proud owner of the greatest shot in NCAA Tournament history, Marcus Paige
Starting 5 competing at that level with no subs is actually insane. And they just kept getting better. What a win!
— Marcus Paige (@marcuspaige5) March 6, 2022
Former UNC basketball standout and future NBA Hall-of-Famer, Vince Carter
LFGGGGGGG!!!!!! 🐑
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) March 6, 2022
Former player at North Carolina and longtime NBA head coach, George Karl
https://twitter.com/CoachKarl22/status/1500282946888081408
2005 national champion, Jawad Williams
The greatest rivalry in all of sports.
— Jawad Williams (@WORLDWAD) March 6, 2022
Formerly Dexter Strickland, a member of the UNC basketball program from 2009-2013
Sorry to spoil y’all party tonight..but damn it feels good to be a Tar Heel!! Great win fellas!! 🐏>
— Baden Jaxen (@BadenJaxen_) March 6, 2022
Former football and basketball player at North Carolina, Julius Peppers
That’s what a rivalry looks like folks. 🐏
— Pep (@juliuspeppers_) March 6, 2022
Former player and head coach at North Carolina, Matt Doherty
Go Heels! @UNC_Basketball
— Matt Doherty (@DohertyMatt) March 6, 2022
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