Dontrez Styles: "UNC was a family. But Saturday it's time to go to war."

If the battle of in-state foes wasn't enough, Saturday afternoon's contest between the UNC basketball program and NC State will feature something that we haven't seen yet during the new world of college athletics.

After beginning his collegiate career at North Carolina, Dontrez Styles is now on his third destination. The former Tar Heel is now a member of the Wolfpack, as he'll have his first shot at playing against the UNC basketball program when they roll into Raleigh.

As everyone should've expected, Styles was asked about his upcoming reunion with his former team. Here's what he had to say:

"We've been talking about this for a long time now and the time is here. I've been through it all, so nothing can faze me. I've done seen a lot. I've been to the Final Four, so just coming here trying to bring that to the scene. ... [UNC] was a family. But Saturday it's time to go to war. I'm ready to go out there and compete.

For me, this is exciting and new and keeps me on my toes. I can't wait for tomorrow. Where I'm from, Kinston, North Carolina, growing up and watching this rivalry, I knew as a kid I wanted to come to one of these schools in the Triangle. Being able to be here right now is a blessing. I'm pretty sure tomorrow is gonna be a great game.

I can't wait for it. I'm ready to see the guys I was teammates with a long time ago -- two years ago. It's gonna be fun."

Styles went on to say that he still keeps in contact with a handful of Tar Heels, including the likes of RJ Davis, Jalen Washington and Seth Trimble. He is also still in touch with some of his former coaches, including Sean May, Brad Frederick and Jeff Lebo.

One very notable coach was not mentioned among that group.

While Styles is on the other side of this matchup now, let's not forget that he hit a very big three-pointer in the NCAA Tournament against Baylor. Without that shot, the Tar Heels probably don't make that run to the national championship game, spoiling the end of Coach K's career in the process.

This game always means more to both sides, given their hate toward each other. For Dontrez Styles, it's an opportunity to show his former team what they're missing.