The college basketball season is deep into conference play, and it's becoming clear which teams are contenders and which are pretenders. As it stands, the ACC is not as competitive as it has been in recent years. The conference is top-heavy, with teams like Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, Wake Forest, SMU, and Clemson leading the charge.
Duke is currently on track to not only win the ACC but potentially go undefeated in conference play. If any team were to achieve this feat, it would be this year’s Blue Devils. Their roster is a perfect blend of freshman talent and experienced players, making them a formidable force.
The 2024 Duke recruiting class was ranked first in the nation, featuring four five-star recruits and two four-star players, all of whom were ranked in the top 50 by 247 Sports. Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Isaih Evans have all made a significant impact on the team thus far.
Alongside these freshman sensations, Duke boasts experienced veterans like Mason Gillis, Sion James, Maliq Brown, and Tyrese Proctor, creating a balanced and dangerous roster. Together, they form an unstoppable force.
Indeed, the Blue Devils are proving just that. They've won 12 straight games, the longest active streak in college basketball, surpassing Auburn, Houston, and Michigan State. Each game seems to feature a new player having a career night. Last week, Flagg erupted for 42 points in a win over Notre Dame, and just a few days later, Knueppel scored 25 points in a victory over Miami.
What sets Duke apart is their ability to rely on more than just two or three go-to players. Their roster is incredibly deep, with multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night. Moreover, the Blue Devils take pride in their defense, making them a well-rounded team poised for a deep run.