Just one game made it a fantastic weekend. The North Carolina versus Duke mens’ basketball game which took place this past Sunday.  The Tarheels battled Duke tooth and nail in what can arguably  be one of the best games I’ve seen in this storied rivalry

The Tar Heels rallied for the win with an 11-0 run over the final 2:40. Marvin Williams' follow-up three-point play off a Raymond Felton missed free throw with 17 seconds left proved to the game winner. Duke's last basket came at 3:07. Junior Sean May scored 26 points and grabbed a career-best 24 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards, for his eighth straight double-double. 

 I’ve been watching Carolina Basketball for close to 25 years. From James Worthy, Michael Jordan, Antwan Jamison, Vince Carter plus many other superstars that have worn that famous baby blue and white uniform. I am truly a diehard Tarheel fan. Yesterday’s game was Senior day, meaning the Seniors that are on their team are playing their final home game and also this is a way for them to say goodbye and go out with a bang.

(Melvin Scott, Jawad Williams and Jackie Manual)

(Picture Courtesy of  Inside Carolina)

As Thad Wilson of Inside Carolina writes:

“Now the next generation of Carolina fans has a Senior Day to remember with equal affection, amazement, and sheer joy – a thrilling 75-73 victory over another outstanding Duke team, this one literally snatched from the jaws of defeat.

Yes, there have been other great Senior Day wins over Duke in the last 27 years, but when one considers both the full range of circumstances in this game – an ACC regular season title on the line, the long odyssey of Jackie Manuel, Melvin Scott, and Jawad Williams – as well as the sheer quality of the basketball played Sunday afternoon, this one takes the cake, by some distance.”

What makes this such a great victory was that three years ago the same seniors that Thad writes about were freshmen on an 8 -20 Carolina team the worst in North Carolina’s history. All the years I’ve watched Tarheel basketball, they never finished less than third place in the ACC plus they won over 20 games while year after year making it to the big dance. Furthermore this includes 2 national championships and about 8 final fours . Jawad, Jackie and Melvin have seen the worst times in Chapel Hill. However on their final game at home they took the nets with them

Quotes:

Jackie Manuel

“I'd like to thank God for this opportunity. I'd like to thank my parents… I would like to thank the coaching staff for allowing me to find myself. You guys made me a better player… I'd like to thank my teammates who stuck it out when times were hard. I love you all. Last, but not least, I'd like to thank the fans. You are the best in the country. I love every one of you. I really appreciate everything you've done. Thank you.”

Melvin Scott

“First of all, I want to thank God and my Mom--or I wouldn't be here obviously. Coaching staff, I know at times I'm so crazy, but I thank you all for putting up with me anyway. My teammates, I love you all. Fans, I love ya'll too. And that's it.”

Jawad Williams

“First of all, I want to thank my family, my girlfriend, all my friends, all my teammates--especially Jackie and Melvin; we've been through a lot... the coaching staff, Coach Williams, Coach Robinson, Coach C.B., Coach Holladay, Coach [Sah]ration… Hopefully, we can keep this going. It was nice to cut down the nets tonight, but I want to cut down the national championship nets.

Thanks to all the fans, it's been a lot of fun. You all supported us when times were tough. A lot of you watched us grow. We appreciate all the support.”

NOTE:  The aforementioned former Tarheel players I spoke of earlier in this article never made it to shier senior year at Carolina however all did fulfill their obligation and earned their degree from the university.