Jay Williams blasts critics of Duke vs. UNC rivalry: 'Some people's brains just can't comprehend the depth'

ESPN’s Jay Williams fired back at those who didn’t think the North Carolina–Duke rivalry isn’t as relevant these days in college basketball. USA Today columnist Dan Wolken was a primary objector to the game this year, recently going viral for some comments on the game.

Williams, a Duke man himself, actually defended North Carolina in this scenario. No, we’re not kidding here! Williams fired back at that notion and mentioned why the current North Carolina-Duke game has a lot on the line.

“I have to do something that rarely happens in this rivalry, it’s where Duke and North Carolina fans, we’re going to be brothers and sisters on something here,” Williams said on College GameDay. “We have to defend this rivalry. Okay? For anybody out there on social media that is saying that this rivalry is increasingly irrelevant, it’s like a goldfish swimming calling the ocean overrated. Some people’s brains just can’t comprehend the depth. But it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. 

“Yes, we could be a lot of other places, but think about the opportunity here. North Carolina has a chance to knock Duke off the one line potentially … There’s nothing more they would enjoy this spoiling that moment. And also, Duke fans have a chance to potentially knock North Carolina out of the NCAA Tournament. This is why we are here. This rivalry matters.”

Wolken made his feelings clear on North Carolina-Duke earlier this week following the announcement of GameDay heading to Chapel Hill. The writer took to Twitter to make his feelings known.

“ESPN needs an intervention and a 12-step program at this point to let go of its addiction to this increasingly irrelevant game,” he said. The tweet, as expected, picked up steam.

It’s a bit difficult to understand where Wolken is coming from, as this is a a huge game for North Carolina (19-11, 12-6 ACC). The Tar Heels are among the “last four in” according to On3’s latest bracketology predictions.

That in mind, Saturday will play a massive role in their NCAA Tournament standing. Duke is currently projected as a No. 1 seed and getting a win against such a team would no doubt go a long way in convincing the committee to grant the Tar Heels a bid.

Moreover, the all-time series between Duke and North Carolina is fairly even with the Tar Heels holding an 85-67 all-time advantage. It’s certainly a game that will draw eyeballs to ESPN currently and historically, so Wolken has some explaining to do on his claim. Tip-off between the Blue Devils and UNC is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.