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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

Kenny Smith was so pumped watching the final seconds of UNC’s thrilling win over Duke

Back in 2016, NBA Hall of Famer and Turner Sports analyst Charles Barkley had one of the great, genuine reactions to Kris Jenkins’ buzzer-beating three to win Villanova a national title over North Carolina.

On Saturday, it was Kenny Smith’s turn to have a joyous on-set moment at the Final Four.

Smith — who played at North Carolina — was on pins and needles watching the final seconds of North Carolina’s 81-77 win over Duke in the national semifinal. And when the final whistle sounded, Smith was so happy. Thankfully, a camera was set on Smith, so we could all see the reaction as it happened.

I mean, that was so wholesome.

Smith and Barkley immediately shared a hug, and Smith broke out his phone to celebrate in front of the North Carolina student section.

The Tar Heels will face top-seeded Kansas on Monday night for a chance to win their seventh men’s basketball national title.

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