“This game finna be crazy”: College hoops fans and AJ Dybantsa show excitement for UNC vs Auburn clash

AJ Dybantsa is thrilled as the second round of the Maui Invitational will showcase Tahaad Pettiford and Elliot Cadeau facing each other as rivals for the first time in a college basketball setting. Freshman Pettiford’s fourth-ranked Auburn Tigers will take on sophomore Cadeau’s 12th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels for their second contest of the tournament on Tuesday.

Dybantsa, the top prospect in the 2025 class, shared his excitement before the matchup. The forward intimated fans about the game by reposting a series of highlights uploaded by SLAM HIGH SCHOOL and adding popcorn emojis.

AJ Dybantsa's story before UNC's game against Auburn

College hoops fans also displayed their excitement in the comment section of the post.

"This game finna be crazy," a fan wrote.

"Smovieeeeeeee," another fan commented.

"The equivalent of Rob vs Aden last year 💯," another fan wrote.

UNC and Auburn fans also gave their takes on Tuesday's matchup.

"Gotta start Haad tn for the culture," a fan commented.

"With all due respect Elliot isn’t that Guy, this is coming from a life long Tarheel fan🤷🏽‍♂️ couldn’t shoot last year.. can’t shoot now 🤦🏽‍♂️," another fan wrote.

"EC gotta play under control tonight and we’ll have a game 🐐," another fan commented.

Fans comments before UNC's game against Auburn

The 6-foot-1 Tahaad Pettiford is 10.2 points on 42.5% shooting. He scored 21 points on 7-for-2 shooting against the Houston Cougars on Nov. 9. Elliot Cadeau has doubled his production from last year, averaging 14.8 points and 6.4 assists on 56.4% shooting.

AJ Dybantsa has offers from both Auburn Tigers and UNC

AJ Dybantsa, the best player in the nation, has narrowed down his offers to a handful of teams. UNC and Auburn are among the finalists along with Alabama, Kansas, BYU and Kansas State.

As the Tigers and North Carolina battle on Tuesday, the contest can help Dybantsa cut his list even more. Five-star Caleb Wilson canceled his official visit to John Calipari’s Arkansas less than a week after the Razorbacks lost to Baylor (72-67) on Nov. 9.

Auburn (5-0) is coming off an 83-81 win over the Iowa State Cyclones on Monday. UNC (4-1) is also coming off a close win, 92-90 over Dayton Flyers.