February 19, 201511 yr Duke-UNC is a bigger rivalry than UK-UL due to their proximity to one another, being in the same conference, and the number of years they've played one another. Plus they're both usually top 20 teams. However, the UK-UL rivalry has more on the line each year as far as bragging rights are concerned because it's the only time they get a chance at one another unless they meet in the NCAA tournament, whereas Duke-UNC always play twice per season and possibly in their ACC tournament. And UK-UL also have a case for proximity, being only 70 miles apart. As far as tradition, UK and UL stack up pretty good with Duke-UNC. UK-UL have won a combined 11 national titles to 9 for the other rivalry. UK-UL rank high in total wins, Final Fours, and other categories. Just thought I'd ramble a bit and throw in my 2 cents. But I'll give the Best Rivalry trophy to the Carolina schools. I have to, ESPN keeps reminding me.
February 19, 201511 yr I think they also said last night that in the last 88 Duke/UNC games both teams have 44 wins and UNC has put scored Duke by 4 points. That's a rivalry!!!!!
February 19, 201511 yr Duke and UNC play two and sometimes three times a season. To me, that takes from the rivalry. The fact UK/UL only play once a season puts a lot more emphasis on the game and the rivalry. So what UNC lost at Duke last night, they have a chance to redeem themselves in a couple weeks in Chapel Hill, and if not then, maybe ACC tourney. Duke/UNC may have been firmly in the number one spot for college basketball rivalries, and probably still are. BUT, cannot argue that over the last five or six years UK/UL has really made a claim on that. Back to back National Champs in 2012/2013, then UK returns to title game last year. Final Four meeting in 2012, and Sweet 16 matchup last season. Then you add the craziness and fanaticism of the two fan bases and you have an intense rivalry. Duke/UNC fans like basketball, but nothing like here in the bluegrass. So to me the fans add a whole new element. AND...I haven't even mentioned Pitino vs. Cal. Duke/UNC may still be the best, but its definitely an argument. Over the last five years or so I am going with UK/UL.
February 19, 201511 yr So what I'm gathering, is that in order to be a "rivalry" there has to be hatred? That's ridiculous. UK/UL is only big on a state level and UNC/Duke is on a national level. That's just a fact. Why would their game be bigger on a national level? Probably based on TV ratings. But they have never played a game where the loser went home and their season ended while the winner moved on a step closer to a National Title. So based on that, their game has had less National impact on the Big Picture. :thumb:
February 19, 201511 yr The Duke/UNC games mean way more than the UK/UL game. It could cost either team a higher seed in the ACC tourney and if they meet in the ACC tourney the loser could get a lower seed in the NCAA tournament. There is always more at stake when these two play.
February 19, 201511 yr I said best in college hoops, I wouldn't put it over OSU/Michigan football. But when I say a national level, that means everybody in the country is tuned in. UK/UL is viewed by those in the state. Nobody on the west coast cares about that game, but when UNC/Duke play they tune in. Last 5 years you MIGHT be able to make a claim for UK/UL, but historically and traditionally it's not even in comparison.
February 19, 201511 yr Duke is horrible. They play 0 defense. 3 wins at best in the tourney. :lol2: what???????????????? You need good guard play to go deep in the tournament. I think last night proved that Duke has one of the top back courts in the nation.
February 19, 201511 yr I wouldn't put Duke/UNC basketball over Bama/Auburn football or OSU/Mich St. football. And Michigan/Ohio State....And Texas/Oklahoma...and Boston/New York.... Valid points on those rivalries. Maybe I don't feel as excited about those because I'm not a avid college basketball fan.
February 19, 201511 yr I said best in college hoops, I wouldn't put it over OSU/Michigan football. But when I say a national level, that means everybody in the country is tuned in. UK/UL is viewed by those in the state. Nobody on the west coast cares about that game, but when UNC/Duke play they tune in. Last 5 years you MIGHT be able to make a claim for UK/UL, but historically and traditionally it's not even in comparison. Again trying to pass off an inaccurate statement as fact. The UK/UofL game this season broke ESPN2's record for the most watched basketball game in the network's history. ESPN PR @ESPNPR Follow College Basketball: Kentucky at Louisville posts 2.1 overnight rating, ESPN2's best ever for college basketball game 2:38 PM - 29 Dec 2014 For comparison, last night's game drew a 2.3 on ESPN.
February 19, 201511 yr Let's be clear, you won't find many people that will argue that UNC/Duke isn't the biggest college basketball rivalry in the country, myself included. But let's not try to paint the picture that the only people who watch UK/UofL live in Kentucky. It's just a factually inaccurate statement.
February 19, 201511 yr The Duke/UNC games mean way more than the UK/UL game. It could cost either team a higher seed in the ACC tourney and if they meet in the ACC tourney the loser could get a lower seed in the NCAA tournament. There is always more at stake when these two play. Does it mean more than an NCAA advancement? I only add that because to this point in history, UK/UL has had five of those moments. UNC/Duke never have.
February 19, 201511 yr Does it mean more than an NCAA advancement? I only add that because to this point in history, UK/UL has had five of those moments. UNC/Duke never have. That's because they are in the same conference and normally the NCAA does what they can to avoid inter-conference matchups before the Sweet 16. If we are talking regular season matchups the Duke/UNC game carries more weight and more repercussions than UK/UL.
February 20, 201511 yr That's because they are in the same conference and normally the NCAA does what they can to avoid inter-conference matchups before the Sweet 16. If we are talking regular season matchups the Duke/UNC game carries more weight and more repercussions than UK/UL. I can live with that. But it's amazing that the two have NEVER met in the NCAA. So does that mean one is always much stronger than the other in any given year?
February 20, 201511 yr I can live with that. But it's amazing that the two have NEVER met in the NCAA. So does that mean one is always much stronger than the other in any given year? Duke is stronger than UNC EVERY year.
February 20, 201511 yr Again trying to pass off an inaccurate statement as fact. The UK/UofL game this season broke ESPN2's record for the most watched basketball game in the network's history. ESPN PR @ESPNPR Follow College Basketball: Kentucky at Louisville posts 2.1 overnight rating, ESPN2's best ever for college basketball game 2:38 PM - 29 Dec 2014 For comparison, last night's game drew a 2.3 on ESPN. LOL ESPN2! That's because big time games don't air on ESPN2.
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