Duke Basketball: Building Momentum for March Madness

As the college basketball season moves well past its halfway point, Duke basketball stands in a strong and enviable position. Boasting a 16-2 record, the Blue Devils have demonstrated both resilience and consistency, with their only two losses coming against blue blood programs Kentucky and Kansas on neutral courts. These defeats, however, were far from setbacks, as both teams rank among the nation’s elite: #9 Kentucky and #12 Kansas.

Some of Duke’s season highlights so far include marquee victories over currently ranked #1 Auburn in the electrifying atmosphere of Cameron Indoor Stadium and road wins against Arizona and Louisville.  While the number of wins against current AP Top 25 teams might not overwhelm, it’s important to note that the Blue Devils sit atop the KenPom rankings, underscoring their overall strength.

With the ACC experiencing a down year, Duke’s non-conference schedule has been crucial in showcasing the team’s quality. Matchups against top-tier opponents such as Auburn, Kentucky, and Kansas have prepared them well. An upcoming neutral-site clash against Illinois on February 22nd will serve as another critical test, arriving just weeks before the start of the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.

While the ACC may lack depth this season, Duke’s conference schedule still presents hurdles. This Saturday, the Blue Devils will travel to Winston-Salem to face a solid Wake Forest team sitting at 15-4 (7-1 ACC) and fresh off a thrilling 67-66 win over North Carolina. Duke will also host Wake Forest in the regular-season finale in March. Factor in the always-unpredictable home-and-away series against rival North Carolina, where rankings often go out the window, along with challenging road games like Clemson, and it’s evident that Duke’s path to the postseason is lined with potential pitfalls.

Does it matter if Duke goes undefeated in ACC play? Not really. The focus is on being battle-tested and ready for March Madness. The losses in January or February won’t define the season; what matters is how prepared the team is for the intensity of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Jon Scheyer, his staff, and the players have shown adaptability throughout the season, particularly in responding to adversity like Maliq Brown’s injury. While his absence is felt, it’s also provided opportunities for others to step up and contribute to the team’s current 12-game win streak.

The most dominant team doesn’t always win the national championship. Take 2015, for example: Kentucky entered the Final Four undefeated and seemingly unstoppable, only to be stunned by Wisconsin in a shocking upset that ended their dream season. I was at that Final Four and vividly remember walking into the postgame press conference with John Calipari and the players—it was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Duke, under the leadership of Coach K, capitalized on the moment and defeated Wisconsin to secure their fifth national championship. That tournament showcased a critical truth: adaptability, focus, and timing often triumph over sheer dominance.

This year’s Duke team mirrors some of those same traits. Whether or not they are the most dominant team in college basketball right now is irrelevant. What matters is their ability to handle adversity, play the opponents in front of them, and peak at the right time. With a 12-game win streak, a top-ranked KenPom rating, and the resilience shown in Maliq’s absence, the Blue Devils are shaping up to be a serious contender for a deep March run. For now, the focus remains on taking each game as it comes, but the future looks bright for Duke basketball.