February 1, 2025: The Family Reunion

For years, my family reunion happened every December, overflowing with aunts, uncles, cousins, and an endless spread of Southern food. Deviled eggs, anyone?

But tonight offered a different annual get-together: the Duke-UNC basketball game. The contest is a slice of home for me. I grew up about 30 minutes from both campuses, and the rivalry runs deep.

I’ve always bled Carolina blue, and whenever I watch, I’m reminded of old friends and the years of bets and trash talk at school.

This evening wasn’t great for the Heels. A blowout loss. During player introductions in Durham, the Cameron Crazies have a tradition of chanting at opposing starters: “Hi ____, you suck!” Sadly, given the outcome of the game, they weren’t all that wrong. But that’s okay. We’ll get another shot soon.

Reunions always come back around.