Today is Duke Hate Day, or as Kentucky fans would say, just a normal Tuesday in the Bluegrass state. Still, the rivalry intensifies each year around the Champions Classic between two proud fan bases. Kentucky and Duke face off in Atlanta tonight for more than just bragging rights, though those are fun, too.
Both programs are led by former captains who won titles at their alma maters. Jon Scheyer and Mark Pope aim to return Duke and Kentucky to championship glory. The Wildcats last won the national title in 2012, while the Blue Devils’ last championship came in 2015. These two powerhouse programs have taken different paths to build their rosters for this season, which makes tonight’s showdown all the more compelling.
Duke, currently boasting the No. 1-ranked freshman class, is built around top recruits like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Darren Harris, Isaiah Evans, Kon Knueppel, and Patrick Ngongba II. The Blue Devils are young, talented, and full of athleticism.
Kentucky, on the other hand, leans on experience. With veteran transfers like Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, and Jaxon Robinson, the Wildcats have a mature, battle-tested core. Kentucky fans are eager to see if the team’s experience will give them an edge against Duke’s youth in an early season match-up.
Let's see where the Duke fanbase is at heading into the game tonight, with posts from across social media:
Business trip 🛫 pic.twitter.com/kQL35FUpiR
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) November 11, 2024
#DukeOnThisDay 2018 pic.twitter.com/qDMeD3g0UP
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) November 6, 2024
Some fun Duke vs. Kentucky Facts:
— 5PointPlayPodcast (@5PointPlayPodc1) November 12, 2024
Duke is 9-5 all time vs. UK.
Half of UK’s wins came before 1979.
Last Duke loss was 2015 63-74 in Chicago.
Last Duke game against in UK in Atlanta was a 75-68 Duke victory.
Kentucky sucks. #LetsGoDuke pic.twitter.com/dGJvXsozCB
It is important to point out that Kentucky and Duke have played 22 times in total. So either this Duke fan sucks at math and counting or doesn't want to admit Kentucky holds the all-time win lead over Duke.
Cooper Flagg says he’s looking forward to the State Farm Champions Classic vs Kentucky but that his Duke team had some things to clean up before Tuesday’s match. pic.twitter.com/DBxmAvQa3z
— Blue Devil Nation (@BlueDevilNation) November 10, 2024
Yep, not worried at all.
— NWBLUEDEVIL (@NWBLUEDEVIL) November 10, 2024
We know the game on Tuesday is going to be Kentucky’s Super Bowl. Hope the players block out the noise and show the world what they’re made of. 😈
— Duke Central (@duke_central) November 10, 2024
Duke smacking Kentucky tomorrow it’s an every other year tradition at this point!
— Black Maud’Dib Sinatra (@ToddSinatra) November 12, 2024
The Blue Devil faithful definitely believe they have the upper hand tonight. The game will tip off around 9 PM EST on ESPN, following the Michigan State vs. Kansas game.
Kentucky hopes to flip the script, especially after going just 1-7 in their last eight Champions Classic appearances.
Tonight’s top-20 matchup has all the elements of a March preview. Will Kentucky’s veteran squad give Mark Pope his first signature win as head coach, or will Duke’s young stars live up to their hype and take a W back to the evil empire of college basketball?