Get ready for some classic college hoops history, because UNC basketball is finally playing West Virginia again on November 27th as part of the second annual Dick Vitale Invitational. It’s been 61 years since these two programs faced off, and this time it’s happening at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, hosted by the Charlotte Sports Foundation and ESPN. This isn’t just any game, though; it’s a huge moment for the Tar Heels because they’re looking to snap an ugly streak.
New Faces, Old Demons: Can Malone Change UNC’s History?
Seriously, 61 years since these teams last played? That’s wild. But here’s the kicker, and it’s something UNC fans might not want to hear: the Tar Heels are 0-5 all-time against West Virginia. Yeah, you read that right. Zero wins, five losses. This upcoming matchup isn’t just a historical footnote, it’s a massive opportunity for new head coach Michael Malone to do something for the very first time in program history. Malone is stepping into his first season at the helm, and he’s bringing a serious roster overhaul with him, with at least 10 newcomers joining senior Jarin Stevenson. We’re talking key transfers like Neoklis Avdalas from Virginia Tech, Matt Able from N.C. State, and Terrence Brown from Utah. That’s a lot of new blood trying to flip the script on a decades-old losing streak against the Mountaineers.
Mountaineer Power and Dickie V’s Inspiration
On the other side, West Virginia isn’t exactly standing still. Ross Hodge is entering his second season as head coach, and he’s got his own transfer firepower. Joson Sanon from St. John’s and Finley Bizjack from Butler are headlining the new additions for the Mountaineers. So, we’ve got two teams, both with new coaches relatively speaking, both loaded with fresh transfer talent, going at it after 61 years. It’s set to be a clash of new eras, but with a serious historical shadow hanging over UNC. What a way to kick off the 2026-27 season. And you know who else is pumped for this? The legend himself, Dick Vitale. The 87-year-old ESPN announcer, who’s been battling cancer for the fifth time since 2021, has been sharing some incredibly positive updates on social media. His recent blood tests came back “very good,” and his immunotherapy treatments are “very effective.” On Thursday, August 6, Vitale shared that his oncologist is “very happy and encouraging,” and he’s totally looking forward to “seeing and calling the game on ESPN.” This man’s resilience is incredible; he even called several games last season, including Duke’s 15-point victory over Texas in the inaugural Invitational.
The tip time and specific ESPN network channel for the UNC vs. West Virginia game are still to be announced, but mark your calendars for November 27. With new coaches, fresh rosters, a 61-year gap in rivalry, and Dick Vitale back in the booth, this game is absolutely stacked with storylines. Can Michael Malone and his new-look Tar Heels finally break that 0-5 curse? We’re all gonna be glued to our screens to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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