Duke University has, without argue, one of the most decorated NCAA basketball programs of all-time. The Blue Devils appeared in 16 Final Fours (4th all-time), 11 national title games (3rd all-time) and won 5 titles (3rd all-time). Duke holds the NCAA record with a .755 winning percentage during the championship tournament. I find myself asking, “What the hell is going on this year?”
Duke came into this season as the #1 ranked team in both the AP Men’s Top 25 Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. Unfortunately, those rankings only lasted three games into the regular season with a loss to Kansas. Duke then bounced back and rattled off 10 straight wins by an average margin of 20 points.
Fans asked if the Dukies were back.
Nope! The Blue Devils would lose 4 of the next 7 games with the most recent loss coming at the hands of a 17-point underdog, NC State. More unfortunate for Duke, the schedule ahead. The Blue Devils play all ACC Division foes that have combined for a 156-58 record this season. Duke faces North Carolina twice, Notre Dame, Virginia and Florida State. Each of these rivals rank in the top 15.
Not all hope is lost.
Duke boasts a highly talented roster that contains multiple McDonald’s All-Americans. Add that to the likely return of Coach K and I think Duke makes a deep run into the NCAA tournament.
What are your thoughts? Comment below and let The Point After Show know what you think.