Ladies and gentlemen, I hope your popcorn is ready, college basketball's most polarizing rivalry is only hours from tipping off.
Duke v. North Carolina.
There are some people who love the Dukies. They love the swagger that comes with with black jerseys and black shoes. The pride that comes with the unpronounceable head coach who will likely go down as the greatest coach in men's college hoops history. The confidence that comes with having the refs on your side, no matter what.
Then there are those who bleed Carolina blue. They know what The Dean of College Coaches did in his time to build the storied Chapel Hill program and how much it means to them. They recognize the greatest basketball player in the history of the game (Michael Jordan) started his road to greatness his freshman when he sank Georgetown in the national title game with a little mid-range jumper.
In the end there are people who hate both teams. Duck Fuke! fans would heckle as the Blue Devils stole the spotlight of national stage. And in the same breath they would chant Go to hell Carolina! when the Heels were at the top of the mountain.
And while most of the state of Illinois despised me as I wore Carolina blue and celebrated Roy Williams' national title during the 2004-05 against the Fighting Illini, I didn't care. Like any human, I have my biases.
And to be completely honest, the only time I will root against North Carolina is when they will play my beloved Southern Illinois Salukis.
Until then, Go Heels!
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