Sometimes, the hype is justified.
The fawning over Duke and North Carolina can, at times, be thick to the point of sickening. The TV talking head panels are rife with alums of both programs. The virtue signaling from both programs is vigorous. ESPN is a willing participant in the overkill.
But you know what? There is abundant substance behind the sizzle. The games deliver. The teams win. There is still a big college basketball world outside Tobacco Road, but Carolina-Duke really is the best of what the sport can be on a remarkably consistent basis.
