Former UNC Basketball Star Granted Another Shot at Toppling Rival Duke
The legendary rivalry between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils continues to add new twists, as one of UNC’s most memorable former guards finds himself with yet another opportunity to challenge Duke—this time from a different court.
Revisiting a Storied Legacy
Caleb Love, who starred for the Tar Heels from 2020 to 2023, became a fan favorite—and a Duke villain—thanks to his clutch performances, most notably the dagger three-pointer that helped send Coach K into retirement during the 2022 Final Four. That moment alone secured his place in UNC lore and deepened his association with the historic rivalry.
A New Jersey, Same Fire
After transferring to Arizona following a tumultuous junior year in Chapel Hill, Love returned to face Duke wearing different colors. While his UNC chapter had closed, the emotional connection to the rivalry clearly hadn’t faded. Love made headlines again, not only for his on-court presence but for a subtle nod to his roots: inscribing “Tar Heel 4L” on his sneakers during the Arizona-Duke clash.
Battle in Durham
Back in the fierce environment of Cameron Indoor Stadium, Love faced a mix of boos and taunts from Blue Devil fans still stung by past wounds. Despite the pressure, he played with composure, helping lead Arizona to a victory over Duke. Though he didn’t dominate the stat sheet, his leadership and poise made a lasting impact.
A Rivalry Reimagined
Love’s return against Duke reminded fans that the emotional weight of college basketball rivalries often transcends team rosters and jerseys. His victory not only added to his own personal legacy but also extended the drama of one of the sport’s greatest showdowns.
In this renewed battle, Caleb Love proved that no matter where he plays, his presence in the Duke-UNC saga remains unforgettable.
