Caleb Love set for his 10th game against Duke basketball. What the Arizona guard said.

When it comes to college basketball rivalries, few are as storied and intense as the annual meetings between the Duke Blue Devils and their formidable opponents. With legendary programs such as Duke and North Carolina, the rivalries between the schools often go down in history as defining moments in the sport. For Caleb Love, now an Arizona Wildcat, facing off against Duke basketball represents much more than just another game. It’s a culmination of years of competition, pressure, and emotion—one that has helped shape Love’s career and legacy.

With his move from North Carolina to Arizona in 2023, Caleb Love has been given a fresh start, but his history with Duke basketball is far from over. As he prepares for his 10th matchup against the Blue Devils, Love carries with him a unique perspective, forged through intense battles on the court and numerous high-stakes moments.

In this article, we dive deep into Caleb Love’s feelings ahead of his 10th game against Duke. What does he think about the rivalry? How has his perception of the game changed since his time at North Carolina? And what does he expect from this upcoming showdown?

The Background: A Rivalry Forged in the Heat of Competition

To understand Caleb Love’s feelings heading into his 10th game against Duke, we must first look at his journey through the intense rivalry between Duke and North Carolina. The Duke-UNC rivalry is one of the most famous in sports, and for Love, it became personal early in his career. As a freshman at North Carolina in the 2020-2021 season, Love entered the rivalry already under the bright lights of an elite college basketball program.

That season marked the beginning of a storied rivalry between Love and Duke, and his first few games against the Blue Devils were filled with the intensity and stakes that one would expect from any game in the rivalry. There were tight battles, memorable plays, and high-pressure moments, especially during the 2022 NCAA Tournament Final Four when Love played a critical role in helping UNC defeat Duke in Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final game as head coach. It was the kind of game that could make a player’s legacy, and Love’s performance cemented his status as one of the most clutch players in college basketball.

Over the course of his career at North Carolina, Love faced Duke multiple times, often with the national spotlight on them. His performances were a microcosm of the type of player he is: fearless, confident, and willing to take and make big shots when it matters most. Despite the eventual departure from Chapel Hill, Love’s history with Duke has shaped him and given him a unique perspective as he heads into his 10th game against the Blue Devils, now as a member of the Arizona Wildcats.

What Caleb Love Said About His 10th Game Against Duke

Ahead of the game, Love took a moment to reflect on what this matchup means for him, now that he’s wearing an Arizona jersey. His words offered insight into his mindset and the way he views this upcoming clash.

“I’m not going to lie, there’s always something special about playing against Duke,” Love said. “It’s not just any game—it’s a rivalry that I’ve been a part of for a long time. When I was at UNC, every game against them felt like it was for more than just the win. It was about pride, about legacy, about showing everyone what you’re made of. And now, even though I’m at Arizona, I carry that same mentality into this one. It’s still Duke, and it’s still personal.”

Love’s comments reveal the emotional connection he feels to the rivalry. For many players, these types of matchups transcend the game itself. They represent something deeper—something tied to school pride, personal growth, and the chance to cement their own place in history. In his mind, the Duke rivalry is not just about the physical game—it’s about what it represents for him and his career.

A New Chapter: Transitioning to Arizona

While Love’s past with Duke is rich and full of history, his move to Arizona has given him a new perspective on the rivalry. As a member of the Wildcats, Love is no longer playing for one of Duke’s most storied rivals, but rather a team that doesn’t have the same longstanding animosity toward Coach Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils. Still, Love’s fire and intensity are not dampened by the change in scenery.

“Yeah, I’m not at North Carolina anymore, and I’m not going to pretend that Arizona has the same kind of personal history with Duke that UNC does,” Love admitted. “But when you’re a competitor, the stakes are always high, and there’s still a lot of pride in these games. I know that Arizona is a top-tier program, and every time we step on the court, we’re showing the world what we can do. And when it’s Duke, there’s no backing down. It doesn’t matter what jersey you’re wearing.”

This admission speaks volumes about Caleb Love’s mindset as a player. For him, competition isn’t about the school—it’s about the opportunity to prove himself, to leave his mark on the game, and to battle against the best. His decision to transfer to Arizona was a new chapter in his basketball career, but his competitive fire and love for high-stakes games haven’t changed.

Arizona’s Playoff Hopes and the Role of Caleb Love

While the personal history with Duke is certainly significant, Love’s 10th game against the Blue Devils carries even more weight in the context of Arizona’s season. The Wildcats are a national contender, and Love’s performance could play a pivotal role in determining their success in March Madness. As Arizona approaches the postseason, the intensity of a matchup with Duke serves as both a statement game and an opportunity to showcase their capabilities on the national stage.

Love’s leadership, both as a scorer and as a facilitator, will be essential for Arizona to thrive in a game that is expected to be filled with drama, emotion, and high-level play. Love has shown time and time again that he thrives under pressure. He has proven himself as a clutch player, and his ability to hit big shots in pivotal moments will be crucial if Arizona is to keep pace with Duke’s star-studded lineup.

“We know Duke’s a great team—they always are,” Love said. “They’ve got talent, they’ve got experience, and they’ve got a coach who knows how to win. But we’ve got something special here in Arizona, too. We’ve got guys who can step up, we’ve got the pieces to compete with anyone. And if we want to make a deep run, it starts with games like this. You’ve got to prove yourself every time you hit the court, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

These words from Love demonstrate his deep understanding of the stakes surrounding this matchup. It’s not just about revenge or past battles—it’s about making a statement for the future. This game against Duke is a chance for Love and his Arizona teammates to show they belong in the conversation of championship contenders.

Love’s Growth as a Player

One of the most interesting aspects of Love’s journey from North Carolina to Arizona is how much he has grown as a player. When he first burst onto the scene at UNC, Love was known for his scoring ability and his knack for making clutch shots. However, throughout his time in Chapel Hill, Love’s play was often seen as inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure was called into question at times.

However, since his move to Arizona, Love has shown noticeable improvement in his all-around game. He’s worked on becoming a more well-rounded point guard, showing an ability to facilitate and get his teammates involved. Additionally, his efficiency has seen an uptick, with Love becoming more selective with his shot attempts and improving his shooting percentage. This development has made him not just a threat as a scorer, but also as a leader on the floor—something Arizona has leaned on in key moments.

As Love enters his 10th game against Duke, he knows that his growth as a player will be tested. Duke’s defense, led by a talented group of defenders, will likely key in on Love, trying to disrupt his rhythm and limit his scoring opportunities. But Love, having faced Duke multiple times before, knows how to deal with that pressure.

“I’ve learned a lot from all the battles I’ve had with Duke, and now I’m in a different position, but I’m still going to approach the game the same way,” Love said. “You can’t let a team like Duke rattle you. You have to stay calm, stay focused, and play your game. That’s what I’m going to do.”

Looking Ahead: What This Game Means for Caleb Love’s Legacy

As Caleb Love steps into his 10th game against Duke, it’s clear that this matchup represents much more than just a regular-season or tournament game. It’s a chance to solidify his legacy in college basketball. A win over Duke would not only add to Arizona’s stature as a national contender but also further cement Love’s place as one of the premier players in the country.

No matter the outcome, Love’s 10th game against Duke will be a defining moment in his career. It’s a reminder of how far he’s come as a player and how much further he has to go in his pursuit of greatness. And with his competitive drive, leadership, and ability to rise to the occasion, it’s clear that Caleb Love’s place in college basketball history is only just beginning.