Hubert Davis downplays impact of upcoming Duke game: 'I think every game is the Super Bowl'

With North Carolina set to face Duke this weekend, Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis gave the typical coach speak in his preview of the game. Despite being a UNC alumni who understands the history of one of college basketball’s greatest rivalries, he was determined not to say too much.

Not even the fact that Duke is the No. 2 team in the country or that they have one of the best players in college basketball, Cooper Flagg, received a mention. Instead, Davis told reporters after a 73-65 loss against Pittsburgh on Tuesday that he is no more excited for this game than any other.

“We’ll prepare, we’ll practice and we’ll play with the same type of competitive enthusiasm that we played with tonight,” the coach said. “I think every game is the Super Bowl. Whether it’s a preseason game or just any time you get a chance to step out there on the floor you should be ready to go.”

North Carolina will enter the game against Duke having lost three of its past four games. The Tar Heels currently sit at 13-9 (6-4 ACC) and could use a big win like this to build moment and get back on the right track.

Overall, the Tar Heels hold a 145-117 record against Duke, including 4-3 since Hubert Davis took over as coach in the 2021-22 season. They won both of the meetings last season as well as a game in the Final Four during Davis inaugural season.

Additionally, Davis went 6-5 against the Blue Devils as a player. He scored 35 points during his final meeting against Duke in 1992.

Although the Blue Devils have the better record and look like the better team on paper here, the nature of this game, like most rivalries, is that any outcome is possible. It wouldn’t be surprising to see North Carolina come out on top at all, even if they are playing on the road.

Crazier things have happened, like when the Tar Heels upset upset Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium to close out 2022, the final season for legendary Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski.

If UNC is to pull off the upset Saturday, it will likely need a big day from RJ Davis, a senior and the unequivocal leader of the team, as well as some of the supporting staff to step up. Tip-off for the contest is set for 6:30 p.m. ET in Durham.