Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Product Rams Into UNC Mascot in New Commercial

Former Duke basketball star Jayson Tatum spells his name with a "y" and dislikes Rameses.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum versus UNC (Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports)
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This week, ESPN released several more famously funny inter-office This is SportsCenter ads. Two feature 2016-17 Duke basketball forward and current Boston Celtics sensation Jayson Tatum.

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The joke throughout the pair of Tatum commercials centers on him being a bother to everyone, including Rameses, the mascot of Duke's archrival, UNC.

That 30-second spot involving Tatum and the UNC mascot begins with SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt explaining the significance of "Security Badge Photo Day" as Rameses wraps up its picture.

Tatum, sporting his Celtics threads, then walks toward the photo seat, crosses paths with Rameses, refuses to change his course, and gives a hilarious shoulder and look-back headshake:

Across the last 15 seconds of the commercial, with impatient "coworkers" waiting at the door, Tatum has to help the photographer find him on the list. He tells him to try "Taco Jay" or "Big Deuce" before finally pointing out that it's "Jayson" with a "y."

Here's this week's other Tatum commercial, not quite as entertaining as the one above in the eyes of Blue Devil fans but still a fun look for Duke basketball's most accomplished young talent in the league:

Jayson Tatum is only 25 years old and in his seventh season in the NBA since getting drafted at No. 3 overall following his prolific one-and-done Duke basketball campaign. He's already a four-time All-Star, one-time All-Star Game MVP, and one-time Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

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Last season, the former McDonald's All-American from St. Louis was a top MVP candidate for much of the regular season, averaging career-highs with 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

In the 2023-24 Boston Celtics' season opener, a 108-104 win at the New York Knicks on Wednesday, Tatum tallied 34 points, 11 boards, four dimes, two steals, and one block in 39 minutes on the floor.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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