3 Key Duke vs UNC Matchups That Will Determine the ACC Champion

Jon Scheyer vs. Hubert Davis

As much as the players on both teams will decide the outcome of the game with their on-court performance, the coaches' decisions will loom equally large.

The matchup between these two head coaches is fascinating on many fronts. There presumably aren't two people in NCAA basketball who understand the coaching challenges these two are facing than each other. Scheyer and Davis both had massive shoes to fill, taking over from Coach K and Roy Williams, respectively. Both coaches have done respectable jobs considering the amount of pressure and expectation that entails.

Scheyer is 2-1 in his career against UNC and won the ACC tournament in his first season at the helm. Davis, who has been on the job for a year longer than Scheyer, made the national championship game in 2022 before falling to Kansas. He beat Duke both in Coach K's final game and at the Final Four. He followed that up with a disappointing season last year as North Carolina failed to make the tournament.

Both coaches have found success in this rivalry and they will hold onto them ahead of Saturday's matchup. They also both faced adversity this season. Scheyer has voiced his frustration at his team's effort level at times, while UNC struggled to maintain the same level of discipline and defensive intensity throughout the season.

UNC and Duke both have high ceilings. When they are at their best, they seem unstoppable. But it will be up to these coaches to put them in positions to succeed.

If you are as excited about this matchup as we are, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and claim your sign-up bonus using the exclusive link below right now.