RALEIGH, N.C. — With Duke and the University of North Carolina scheduled to meet in the Final Four for the first time this Saturday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed the state “The Center of the College Basketball Universe.”
Duke and the University of North Carolina will face off Saturday in a historic, Final Four game
Ahead of the weekend game, Gov. Roy Cooper called the state the "center of the college basketball universe"
Fans of the teams are passionate about them and fired up for the epic weekend game
“North Carolina is home to an unmatched tradition of college basketball excellence, including the greatest college basketball rivalry in the nation, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels versus the Duke University Blue Devils,” Cooper said in a statement Thursday. “The stakes are high on Saturday and fans across the nation will get a firsthand look at two programs that have for decades competed fiercely and divided the loyalty of family and friends, but made our state proud.”
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"In the world of college basketball, no rivalry is better known than that of Duke and UNC. The two premiere programs, separated by just 8 miles, have defined success in college hoops for more than a century, and are each known for their competitiveness and passion," the proclamation reads.
"Throughout the years, the Duke and UNC men’s basketball programs have squared off 257 times, with UNC holding the lead by 27 wins. Individually, the Tar Heels have taken part in 52 NCAA tournaments, made it to 21 Final Fours and taken home seven National Championships. Duke has taken part in 44 NCAA tournaments, 17 Final Fours and won 5 National Championships."
On Saturday, the two teams will meet in a Final Four match-up for the first time in the history of their rivalry.
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Cooper's proclamation also takes note of the coaching match-up. "The historic game will also see a match-up between first year UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis and retiring Hall of Fame Duke Head Coach Mike Kryzewski. On one hand, Davis will become one of only two people to ever play and coach in the Final Four with the same school. Kryzewski, however, will coach his 13th Final Four game, giving him sole possession of the top spot for appearances. Coach K previously shared the title with former UCLA coach John Wooden, who also had 12."
“Across the world, fans know the legend of tobacco road basketball. This weekend, our state’s favorite pastime will be showcased on the biggest stage. I’m a proud Tar Heel and I know firsthand that the state of North Carolina is the center of the college basketball universe,” Cooper said.
You can read Cooper's full proclamation here.
The proclamation also gave a nod to "the most passionate fans in the country who are more than ready ... to shout things that are not normally in their vocabulary."
Cooper also noted accomplishments of other college teams in the state, including Fayetteville State University's CIAA championship, the N.C. State women's basketball team, which won the ACC tournament and made it to the NCAA Elite Eight, and individual honors for Wake Forest University.
