All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Would Be Transfer Destination for Former Duke Star

UNC basketball was Jay Williams' favorite program as a child, and it sounds like a bit of the Duke gem's fandom remains.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Former Duke basketball national champion Jay Williams, now a veteran ESPN commentator, wasn't friendly to the UNC basketball program when he was a rival player. No, the legendary Blue Devil guard (1999-02) posted a 7-1 record against the Tar Heels.

But he was a UNC fan growing up, which he noted on social media when congratulating Roy Williams on his career after the Tar Heel great announced his retirement in April 2021.

Then, this past weekend, Jay Williams expressed admiration for the job Hubert Davis is doing with what he painted as a top title contender.

And during ESPN's broadcast of Kansas' 90-66 victory at Oklahoma State on Tuesday night, Williams took it one step further by naming UNC his hypothetical top transfer destination if he was in college now.

Here's the conversation (video below) between himself and play-by-play announcer Jon Sciambi that instigated his reluctant admission:

Sciambi: "If the transfer portal was open, where would you have gone?"

Williams: "Setting me up. So, back then, I would have gone to Georgetown. I would have played for John Thompson. If you're asking me today, whew...this is a tough one, because I don't know if I'll be allowed to go back home."

Sciambi: "Are you about to say North Carolina?"

Williams: "I just like the way they play. It's a fast-paced style of play. I like it. They allow RJ Davis to go."

Sciambi: "Holy cow!"

Williams: "What? What? You did this to me. This is your fault."

Sciambi: "This is straight-up awful announcing. Jon Sciambi got Jay Williams excommunicated from the Duke family on Tuesday night."

Williams: "You know, I just got back in 'The Brotherhood.' I just got back. And now, I got a feeling I'm going to be out."

Maybe he's hoping to become an honorary UNC basketball family member. Nah.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, 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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