DURHAM, N.C. – Following a brief hiatus for fall semester final exams, Duke basketball remains a powerhouse in the national spotlight. In the latest AP Top 25 poll and USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll released Monday, Dec. 15, the Blue Devils (10-0) held firm at the No. 3 ranking, trailing only Arizona and Michigan in a tightly contested race for the top spot.
The Blue Devils’ unblemished record and steady ranking reflect a dominant opening month under head coach Jon Scheyer. Despite a week off from game action, Duke’s resume continues to be one of the most impressive in college basketball, featuring four victories over ranked opponents.
A Record-Breaking Start in Durham
Duke’s 10-0 start is the program’s best since the 2017-18 season. The Blue Devils have navigated a grueling early schedule with poise, securing high-profile wins that have solidified their status as a National Championship contender. Key victories include:
* Kansas (78-66): A statement win in New York that proved Duke’s depth.
* Arkansas (80-71): A high-octane battle where the Blue Devils’ defense took over.
* Florida (67-66): A nail-biter in the ACC/SEC Challenge decided by sophomore Isaiah Evans’ late-game heroics.
* Michigan State (66-60): A gritty road win in East Lansing that showcased the team’s mental toughness.
The catalyst for this success has been freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, who has lived up to the hype by delivering double-doubles with remarkable consistency. His presence in the paint, combined with the veteran leadership of Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans, has made Duke one of the most balanced teams in the country.
Jon Scheyer: On the Brink of ACC History
While the team’s ranking is a major talking point, the spotlight is also shining brightly on head coach Jon Scheyer. Currently sitting at 99 career victories, Scheyer is just one win away from reaching the 100-win milestone.
If Duke defeats Lipscomb on Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Scheyer will become the fastest coach in ACC history to reach 100 wins. The current record is held by another Duke legend, Vic Bubas, who reached the mark in 128 games back in 1964. Scheyer enters Tuesday’s contest with a staggering 99-22 record in just 121 games, putting him on pace to shatter a 61-year-old record.
Since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has maintained Duke’s gold standard, securing two ACC Tournament titles and a Final Four appearance. His ability to blend elite recruiting classes with tactical discipline has the Blue Devils poised for another deep run in March.
Looking Ahead: The Road to March Madness
Duke returns to the court Tuesday, Dec. 16, against Lipscomb at 6:00 p.m. ET. Following that, the Blue Devils head to New York City for a high-profile matchup against No. 19 Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Dec. 20.
As conference play nears, the ACC standings are beginning to take shape. With No. 11 Louisville and No. 12 North Carolina breathing down their necks, the Blue Devils must maintain their momentum to secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
For fans looking to catch the action, Duke’s upcoming games will be broadcast on ESPN and the ACC Network.