Quadir Copeland did a lot of smack talking on Tuesday night.
The senior guard backed it up with his (and his team's play) in NC State's blowout victory over North Carolina, a game that you could tell meant a lot to the Wolfpack.
Smack talking is a form of art. If you dish it, you have to be able to take it. Some preseason comments from the Tar Heels appeared to irk Copeland and his teammates, as they had the last laugh following their only regular season meeting.
However, Copeland took his smack talking a bit to far, as someone needs to fact check him on the one player he verbally attacked in the hand shake line after the game.
Silly Quadir, Caleb Wilson isn't ducking you!
As the two programs shook hands after the game, the ESPN cameras seemingly tracked Copeland while his antics continued. He was seen chirping toward a specific Tar Heel, one who was revealed to be Caleb Wilson.
Now, unless you live under a rock, everyone knows that Caleb Wilson is out due to a left hand fracture. If the future top-five NBA Draft pick was healthy, he undoubtedly would've been on the floor playing- he's legitimately the last guy who wants to be a spectator (especially in a game like UNC vs NC State).
However, Copeland made it seem like Wilson was ducking the Wolfpack, as he uttered some corny words toward him that shows how naive he truly is.
"Lace em' up next time."
To the victors go the spoils. NC State having a good time after rout of UNC.
— Brian Murphy (@murphsturph) February 18, 2026
Quadir Copeland to Caleb Wilson in the postgame handshake line: "Lace 'em up next time."
Be careful what you wish for!
It almost feels like destiny that these two teams will meet up in the ACC Tournament in a few weeks. At that point, North Carolina hopes to be healthy, while NC State (according to Copeland) hopes the same.
All we have to say is, be careful what you wish for.
Poking the bear is never a good idea, especially when that bear (Caleb Wilson) has done nothing but get the upper-hand against those who provide him with additional motivation. If Wilson is back, and the Tar Heels are at full-strength, you know he'll be motivated to avenge this ugly loss, one in which he physically wasn't able to play in.
Don't worry, Quadir, Caleb Wilson wasn't afraid to play you or your team. You can rest assure that he's hoping for a rematch, one where he'll be able to compete.
We'll call it now- we'll see you (and the Wolfpack) in a few weeks.