Duke and North Carolina’s rivalry is one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball. Fans saw the impact of the same when the 2022 NCAA Men’s Final Four between the two heavyweights drew a record-breaking 16.3 million viewers.
However, with UNC’s recent drop-off from its usual standards, Jay Williams questioned whether North Carolina should still be considered a blue blood. Speaking on the “First Take” podcast in March, the ESPN host said:
“And I’m saying this growing up as a North Carolina fan, like if North Carolina didn’t have that logo, I’m not sure we’d be talking about them as a blue blood over the last five years, since COVID.”
This take, however, faced criticism from an unexpected source: Duke legend Grant Hill, who publicly called out Williams’ UNC take.
During his appearance on the “onCousin” podcast with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady on Friday, Hill said that the Tar Heels remain one of the top programs in college basketball despite recent struggles.
Williams had pointed to the Tar Heels’ lack of consistent postseason success and argued that programs such as Duke, UConn, Kansas, Houston and Kentucky have been more relevant in the current era. However, Hill isn’t buying it.
“I don’t agree with Jay Williams on that,” Hill said. “Carolina is 100% a Blue Blood.”
The two-time NCAA champion immediately pointed to the program’s accomplishments rather than focusing on recent seasons.
“Carolina has won a championship more recently than Duke has,” Hill said. “And they have been to the NCAA Finals more recently than Duke has.”
Hill also praised newly appointed Tar Heels coach Mike Malone, saying:
“Look, things have changed in college sports; it’s no longer the old traditional model. It’s very transactional, almost like a professional sport. Mike Malone may not understand the college recruiting and all of that, but the guy can coach, and he brings that championship pedigree.”
Why Grant Hill Believes UNC Remains Among College Basketball’s Elites
Grant Hill believes that the Tar Heels will continue to bring more viewership regardless of whether they’re winning or losing.
“People gonna tune in to watch Carolina either win or watch them lose,” Hill said.
The Duke legend compared North Carolina’s popularity to his own alma mater, noting that both programs generate strong reactions from fans nationwide.
“I always say Duke evokes an emotion. Like, either you gonna love Duke or you hate Duke, and I think Carolina is the same way.” Hill said.
After firing Hubert Davis following a disappointing season, UNC hired Michael Malone, who spent the offseason rebuilding the roster and adding international talents such as Alexandros Samodurov and Sayon Keita.
UNC faces tough questions entering the 2026-27 season, but Hill remains convinced the program’s place in college basketball history is secure.
For a Duke legend to make that statement publicly says plenty about how North Carolina is still viewed across the college basketball landscape.
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