The long-anticipated matchup between two of the most storied programs in NCAA Basketball, North Carolina and Kansas, is set to reignite the rivalry during the 2024-25 season. This home-and-home series will kick off in the historic Allen Fieldhouse on November 8, before moving to the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill the following year on November 14.
With the series tied at 6-6 and Kansas holding the edge in recent matchups, basketball fans can expect a clash of titans as these bluebloods vie for supremacy once again.
The Series History
The Kansas-North Carolina series is a balanced rivalry, with each team claiming six victories over the other. This series, which dates back to the 1957 NCAA title game, has seen intense competition, with Kansas winning the last four matchups, all under head coach Bill Self. These victories have all come during NCAA Tournament play, including the most recent, a 72-69 win in the 2022 NCAA National Championship game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Historic Venues
The first game of the series will take place at Allen Fieldhouse, a venue steeped in history as the home of Kansas basketball. This game on November 8, marks only the second time North Carolina will play in this legendary arena. The last time these two met here, the intensity was palpable, and fans can expect nothing less this time around.
A year later, on November 14, the series will move to the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill. This will be the first time Kansas plays in this iconic venue, adding another layer of excitement to an already historic rivalry. The anticipation for this game will be sky-high as fans from both sides await the outcome.
The 2022 NCAA Championship Rematch
Kansas and North Carolina last met in the 2022 NCAA National Championship game, where Kansas secured a dramatic 72-69 victory. This win not only crowned Kansas as national champions but also marked their fifth victory against North Carolina in NCAA Tournament play. With the series currently tied, both teams will be eager to tip the scales in their favor during the upcoming games.
Hall of Fame Connections
Dean Smith, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach, is a Kansas graduate who played a pivotal role in KU’s 1952 NCAA National Championship team. Smith went on to coach 36 seasons at North Carolina, winning two national titles and finishing with an 879-254 career record. His deep connection to both programs adds a unique dimension to this rivalry.
Another Hall of Famer, Roy Williams, began his head coaching career at Kansas, where he compiled a 418-101 record over 15 seasons. Williams led KU to four Final Fours and nine league regular season championships before returning to his alma mater, North Carolina. At UNC, Williams achieved even greater success, winning three NCAA titles and finishing with a 903-264 record.
Larry Brown, also a Hall of Fame coach, served as the head coach at Kansas from 1983 to 1988, leading the Jayhawks to the 1988 NCAA title. Brown’s connection to North Carolina runs deep as he played under Dean Smith at UNC. It was Brown who recommended Roy Williams for the Kansas coaching job in 1988, further intertwining the histories of these two legendary programs.
Key Staff and Their Impact
UNC head coach Hubert Davis is no stranger to facing Kansas. As a player, Davis scored 25 points against the Jayhawks in the 1991 NCAA Tournament national semifinals, although Kansas won the game 79-73. His experience and deep understanding of this rivalry will be crucial as he prepares his team for the upcoming games.
UNC assistant coach Brad Frederick, the son of the late Bob Frederick, adds another layer of connection between the two schools. Bob Frederick, a former Kansas Athletics Director and basketball player at KU, is remembered fondly at both programs. Brad Frederick’s role in the upcoming games will be significant as he draws from his unique family history linked to both schools.
Strategic Approaches
Coach Hubert Davis’ approach to the upcoming game against Kansas involves a detailed strategy that emphasizes North Carolina’s quick offense and tight defense.
For fans, merging this tactical knowledge with NC Sportsbook Promos allows for a richer game day experience, where understanding the nuances of Davis’ strategies enhances the thrill of each basket and defensive stop. This integration encourages a more engaged fan participation, turning every game into an opportunity to celebrate the team’s strategic prowess and player achievements.
Kansas head coach Bill Self has had tremendous success against North Carolina, winning the last four matchups between the two teams. Self’s ability to prepare his team for the intensity of these high-stakes games has been a significant factor in Kansas’ recent dominance in this series. His game plan for the upcoming games will be closely watched as he aims to extend Kansas’ winning streak.
The Impact of the Series on NCAA Basketball
This series between Kansas and North Carolina is more than just a couple of games; it’s a clash of NCAA Basketball’s elite. Both programs are known for their rich histories, numerous championships, and Hall of Fame coaches. The outcome of these games will not only affect the standings but also shape the narrative of NCAA Basketball for years to come.
The high-profile nature of this series will undoubtedly impact recruiting for both programs. Top recruits will be watching closely, and the performance of both teams could sway decisions. The visibility and prestige associated with winning such a storied matchup cannot be underestimated.
Looking Forward to November 8
As the Kansas Jayhawks and North Carolina Tar Heels prepare for their upcoming games, fans can look forward to what promises to be a memorable series. With both teams boasting rich histories and strong rosters, the stage is set for another chapter in this storied rivalry.
Whether it’s the strategic prowess of coaches, the impact of key players, or the historic venues, every aspect of this series is bound to captivate basketball enthusiasts around the world.
