While it might not have the same allure as a showdown with Duke, don't think for even a second that North Carolina and Hubert Davis aren't fired up to take on NC State on Tuesday night. This showdown in Raleigh should be a blockbuster affair, with the Heels surely having motivation to post a win.
Hubert Davis provides a Henri Veesaar update ahead of NC State showdown
For starters, these two in-state rivals really don't like one another. Also, no one has forgotten about Will Wade ridiculously throwing shade at the Tar Heels multiple times while bringing up Ven-Allen Lubin. If you need a refresher of what we're talking about, here ya go:
NC State head coach Will Wade postgame on Ven-Allen Lubin: "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."
— Charlie Gribble (@Charlie_Grib) November 18, 2025
Will Wade will regret previously throwing shade at Hubert Davis and North Carolina
That of course wasn't the first time that Wade took a bit of a shot at the Heels, making some eye-opening comments last June on VAL that the UNC faithful didn't care for either. Wade essentially made it seem like North Carolina didn't know what it was doing with the big man on campus.
We're going to respectfully disagree with that. Come Tuesday night, the Heels are going to want to post a tough road win, while shutting up Wade in the process. That of course won't be easy, as 5-star freshman Caleb Wilson is set to miss another game with a fracture in his left hand.
It's up in the air if fellow standout Henri Veesaar is going to be able to play or not, as he's still recovering from a minor injury/sickness. Veesaar missed Saturday's win over Pitt, but Davis said on Monday that the Arizona transfer is feeling better and making strides. He's questionable to take on the Wolfpack.
If Veesaar can't play, it will be on Seth Trimble, Jarin Stevenson and Zayden High to pick up their level of play. Against Pitt, Stevenson scored 19 points, while High recorded a career-high 15 points. High took advantage of his extra playing time and more of the same will be needed if Veesaar can't go.
All in all, there's always plenty of intrigue and drama whenever North Carolina and NC State dance. Because of Wade's previous comments, it led to countless people in Chapel Hill to circle their calendar for the Feb. 17 action. Will revenge be on the way for UNC? We sure hope so.