The rivalry between the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State, once a staple of college basketball, has not been played since the 2025‑26 season, when NC State secured an 82‑58 victory that ended a 106‑year tradition of annual matchups.
A New Chapter for Malone
Michael Malone, who spent 25 years navigating the NBA before taking the helm of the Tar Heels, says the upcoming December 15, 2026, game feels like a fresh challenge. For the first time he will face Justin Gainey, the Wolfpack’s head coach, in a setting that blends college passion with professional polish.
North Carolina will host the game in Greensboro, a venue chosen for its central location and historic significance. The Tar Heels are motivated by revenge, aiming to reverse the February 2026 defeat that left them with a bitter taste heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Malone, a 2023 NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, notes that while the Western Conference boasts many elite teams, the Tar Heels‑Wolfpack rivalry stands apart. He emphasizes that the intensity of the matchup transcends the typical NBA rivalry, rooted in a shared state identity and a century‑old competitive spirit.