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Class is in session.
As Duke's talented freshmen have learned and grown throughout the season, the Blue Devils have taught the rest of the ACC lesson after lesson. Sitting at a perfect 10-0 in conference play, Duke welcomes archrival North Carolina to Cameron Indoor Stadium Saturday looking to make yet another statement. The Tar Heels have faced their ups and downs this season, sitting at just 13-9 overall, but their talented backcourt cannot be overlooked.
There to cheer the Blue Devils on will be the Cameron Crazies, Duke's unique student section famous for its traditions, intensity and craziness. Admission to this year's iteration of Krzyzewskiville was tougher than ever, as over 40% of the undergraduate population took an entry test on their knowledge of the team. Teams of students lucky enough to pass were rewarded with another exam to determine their place in line, and for groups that missed out, a dash through the snow gave one last chance to score seats.
The reason for the fervor surrounding the Blue Devils is simple: head coach Jon Scheyer has assembled the best team in his tenure. The third-year head coach seems to be finding his step, just as the Tar Heels' Hubert Davis might be losing his. The matchup makes for parallel storylines between the two coaches and programs who sit just miles apart on Tobacco Road. Rivalries like that persist throughout the community, from the workplace to even the barbershop. One such store embraces the rivalry by hoping to stimulate conversations between the fanbases.
On the court, though, it's all business. Duke has excelled this season at stifling opposing offenses -- it boasts one of the top defensive units in the nation. A big part of that defense is 6-foot-6 guard Sion James, who, despite being a menacing presence on the court, has made charity and giving back a defining part of his collegiate career. The Blue Devils are big up and down their lineup -- they have the tallest roster in the nation -- which only makes life harder for players trying to get to the basket.
No Duke player is larger than Khaman Maluach, whose towering 7-foot-2 frame has anchored the paint all season long. The 18-year-old has already made leap after leap in his development, and he is well on his way to becoming the next great Blue Devil big man. Scheyer and director of player development Justin Robinson have worked closely with Maluach, and the hard work seems to be paying off.
No matter what happens Saturday, another chapter in the illustrious history of the Duke-North Carolina rivalry will be written. From Zion Williamson to Jayson Tatum to Austin Rivers, the battles between the blues have made legends. The Chronicle and The Daily Tar Heel have been there every step along the way to cover the rivalry, and are once again competing to raise money to fund student journalism for years to come. Support The Chronicle by donating at this link, and follow @thedukechronicle on Instagram, and @chroniclesports and @dukebasketball on X.