College Basketball
Teams Duke Plays Twice
This year, Duke will play the following teams both on the road and at home: Wake Forest, Syracuse, Virginia, and North Carolina.
The Toughest Stretch
The Blue Devil’s toughest stretch of games is likely February 20th through the 26th. On the 20th, Duke takes on North Carolina for the first time of the season in Cameron. Then, they travel to Syracuse for a game against the Orange on the 23rd, On the 26th, they play at Virginia Tech, a gym in which Duke has struggled to win in.
The Easiest Stretch
Look, there are truly no easy stretches in ACC play, but if I had to pick one it would be January 22nd through January 28th. They begin with a reunion with former Associate Head Coach Jeff Capel, now the head coach at Pittsburgh, on the 22nd of January. After this, Duke heads back to Cameron Indoor to take on Georgia Tech on the 26th. Following that, Duke has a quick turnaround and heads back home to take on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on the 28th.
Potential Losses
The ACC is arguably the best conference in America, so losses are likely. The teams more likely to take Duke down are the following: North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse.
North Carolina
The Tar Heels are probably Duke’s biggest obstacle to winning the ACC this year. With a pair of five stars, one of which could be a top 3 pick in next years draft in Nassir Little, the Heels will finally have stud freshman. Aside from the young talent, Carolina returns a top 10 player in the nation, Luke Maye. If it isn’t the Blue Devils taking home the ACC crown, you can bet it will be their rival, North Carolina.
Prediction: Duke beats North Carolina in Durham, but suffer a loss in the final game of the regular season when they face off in Chapel Hill.
Virginia
The Cavaliers always seem to be a dominating regular season team. A year ago, they were given the #1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. They were bounced in the first round by #16 seed UMBC. Regardless, UVA will have a top five defense in the Nation, once again led by De’Andre Hunter, an NBA level prospect, and guard tandem Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome. They will also be a contender for the ACC title.
Prediction: Duke sweeps the season series against the Cavs, as they will once again struggle offensively.
Virginia Tech
Duke always struggles when they play in Blacksburg, and this year they get the opportunity to go down and try to break that curse. This is probably going to be Buzz Williams’ best team he has had while at Virginia Tech, despite losing Justin Bibbs to the NBA. They still have Justin Robinson and every other important piece from a year ago.
Prediction: Duke heads to the half with a small lead, but can’t pull away early in the second half and the crowd pushes Virginia Tech to yet another victory over Duke in Blacksburg.
Syracuse
Yet another team Duke struggles against when on the road, the Orange will visit Duke and also host the Blue Devils this year. Returning their top six scorers, the Orange will be a top 25 team and likely tournament participants. Tyus Battle will be a monster and far more consistent offensively while also leading a top tier defensive unit.
Prediction: Duke gets a scare at home, but their luck does not last and when they face the Orange inside a sold out Carrier Dome.
ACC Record
I predict that the Duke Blue Devils go 15-3 in conference play, while also winning the conference.
Photo credit to Travis via Flickr
