The Duke Blue Devils are still very much in the thick of the race for a No. 1 seed in March Madness - and despite a recent stumble, Jon Scheyer’s squad hasn’t lost its footing in the national conversation.
At 22-2, Duke’s resume remains one of the strongest in college basketball. Sure, the loss to archrival North Carolina stung - not just because of the rivalry, but because it briefly cast doubt on their top-seed aspirations.
But credit to the Blue Devils: they responded the way elite teams do. Their bounce-back win over Pittsburgh, a 70-54 statement, showed they weren’t about to let one loss spiral into something more damaging.
As of now, Duke is still projected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, according to ESPN’s latest bracketology. Joe Lunardi currently has them slotted to face No.
16 Long Island in the opening round - a matchup that, on paper, favors the Blue Devils heavily. But as always in March, nothing is guaranteed, and every game between now and Selection Sunday matters.
That’s especially true given the road ahead. Duke’s remaining schedule isn’t just tough - it’s a gauntlet.
After their matchup with Clemson, they’ll face a mix of ranked opponents and dangerous sleepers: Syracuse and No. 2 Michigan at home, Notre Dame and NC State on the road, No.
15 Virginia back at Cameron Indoor, and then a rematch with No. 11 North Carolina to close things out.
That’s seven games where every possession will be magnified, and every result could shift their tournament outlook.
Jon Scheyer knows what’s at stake. This isn’t just about seeding - it’s about momentum, chemistry, and proving that Duke belongs in the top tier of contenders.
And right now, led by standout freshman Cameron Boozer, they’ve got the pieces to make a real run. Boozer’s been as advertised - a dynamic presence who can take over games and elevate the play of those around him.
When he’s rolling, Duke looks like a team built for a deep March run.
But the margin for error is slim. Another loss or two down the stretch, especially against unranked teams, could knock them off the top seed line and force a tougher path through the bracket. That’s why every game from here on out carries postseason weight.
The good news for Duke fans? This team has shown resilience.
They’ve taken a punch and answered back. They’ve got talent, depth, and a coach who understands the pressure of the spotlight.
The loss to UNC was a setback, no doubt. But the Blue Devils are still very much in control of their destiny.
With March looming, Duke remains one of the most dangerous teams in the country - and if they can navigate the next few weeks, that No. 1 seed is still well within reach.