College Basketball
Duke’s Non Conference Schedule Predictions: Part One
The Opponents
Duke has an extremely tough schedule to predict, mostly because it consists of some unusual teams of high talent levels. To begin the year, Duke plays in the Champions Classic on November 6th against Kentucky. Next, Following that game, Duke gets a lighter schedule. First, they follow the Wildcats with Army West Point on November 11th. Next, they get Eastern Michigan on November 14th.
Kentucky
Duke faces the Wildcats for the first game of their young season. Kentucky loses a ton of talent to the NBA, but will still be the likely AP Poll #1 team to begin the season. Returning three starters, PJ Washington, Nick Richards, and Quade Green. All three of those returning players were starters for Big Blue this past season. Alongside of these returnees, Kentucky brings in the #2 ranked recruiting class in the nation, which is no shock. Unsurprisingly, these freshman will play important minutes throughout the year.
The best player on Kentucky’s roster, is not a returning Wildcat or incoming freshman, he is a transfer. His name is Reid Travis and he will likely lead the Wildcats in scoring and be their best player overall. Travis averaged 22.9 points per game a year ago, and will likely hit just around the same total every game for Kentucky in the upcoming season. Regardless, Duke will keep it close and have their chances, but in the end, come up short.
Prediction:
Duke: 78
Kentucky: 83
Army West Point
Army, not exactly a basketball powerhouse, went 13-17 in 2017-2018. Obviously, they do not have any major recruits coming in to play for them and have no notable players returning. They will have to travel to Cameron Indoor, where the noise will be far too loud for their team to overcome. Duke should have zero issue taking care of business at home. The Blue Devils will roll to a big victory.
Prediction:
Duke: 87
Army West Point: 53
Eastern Michigan
Eastern Michigan is going to be very competitive. I predict that they will win the MAC. They have a trio of players in James Thompson IV, Elijah Minnie, and Paul Jackson that could play anywhere in the country and win a ton of games. This is a likely tournament team and odds are that they will keep it close with Duke for a large portion of their game in Durham. Therefor, I predict that the last eight minutes of the game, Duke will build up a lead and they’ll keep it for the remaining time.
Prediction:
Duke: 79
Eastern Michigan: 70
