Tyler Hansbrough’s loyalty to North Carolina Tar Heels remains unwavering.
The former UNC basketball star hopes that his Alma Mater’s top rival, Duke, will be short in his next game in the NCAA tournament.
Duke survived against Arizona in Sweet 16 on Thursday. Cooper Flagg ended the victory 100-93 with a Holdhøj 30 points. The victory also stopped Blue Devils’ ticket to Elite Eight, where they meet the second -seeded Alabama Crimson Tide.
If Hansbrough gets his way, Alabama will eliminate Duke from the tournament on Saturday.
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball player Tyler Hansbrough is recognized for his induction in National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame during a match against Duke Blue Devils at Dean Smith Center 3 February 2024, in Chapel Hill, NC (Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
While Hansbrough chooses Crimson Tide to win the first national championship in school history, he also took a moment to take a dig on the team he despises.
“I’m really locked in at the NCAA tournament. I want to go with ‘Bama,” said Hansbrough during a recent performance at “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Texas Tech Rally from 16 down to beat Arkansas in first OT game in March Madness
“I know they are facing Duke. I had actually lost the first game to No. 16 seeds. So I’m a bit partial. I chose ‘Bama in the early part of the year. So I stick with’ Bama.”
Members of North Carolina Tar Heels, including Forward Tyler Hansbrough (Center), High-Five fans, when they leave the court after defeating Michigan State Spartans 89-72 in 2009 NCAA Championship Games at Ford Field 6 April 2009 in Detroit. (Bob Donnan/USA Today Sports)
Crimson Tide went on to last year’s Final Four. Despite Hansbrough’s personal bias, Duke will enter Saturday’s Matchup with Alabama as Odds-on favorite.
From Friday, Fanduel Sportsbook Listed The Blue Devils as a 6.5-point favorite.
Duke Guard Sion James (14) and Forward Mason Gilli’s (18) Movement to teammates during the first half of a Sweet 16 -Tournament Game Against Arizona Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Newark, NJ (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
The rivalry of the tobacco road remains among College Basketball’s most competitive. Mike Krzyzewski coached Duke to five national titles during his stored career. North Carolina has hoisted the National Championship Trophy six times, most recently in 2017.
Duke and Alabama are scheduled to tip on Saturday at. 20.49 one in Newark, New Jersey.
