As the anticipation builds for Monday's release of the new AP top-25 poll in men's college basketball, all eyes are on the Duke Blue Devils. After their impressive 68-63 victory over the top-ranked Michigan, Duke is in prime position to claim the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week of changes at the top.
Duke's ascent isn't solely due to their win over Michigan. The weekend also saw No. 2-ranked Houston fall to No. 4-ranked Arizona in a 73-66 showdown. With both top teams stumbling on the same day, the stage is set for a shake-up in the rankings.
Cameron Boozer, a standout talent and a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, showcased his skills once again for Duke. He delivered a commanding performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.
Boozer's consistent excellence has been a cornerstone for the Blue Devils, keeping them in the national top six throughout the season. Their current No. 3 ranking is the highest they've reached this year, and Saturday's results could propel them to the top spot for the first time since last season's postseason run.
Michigan's brief reign at No. 1, which ended Arizona's nine-week dominance, now faces a challenge from a surging Duke team. The Blue Devils are making another strong push as the season winds down.
The pressing question for Duke is whether they can maintain this momentum, secure the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and translate it into a national championship. Despite multiple stints as the top-ranked team over the past decade, the Blue Devils haven't captured a national title since the 2014-15 season. The coming weeks will reveal if this is the year they break that streak.