The Duke Blue Devils are now among the top five teams in Andy Katz's basketball power rankings.
The Duke Blue Devils have secured four consecutive wins, improving their record to 8-2. This strong performance has earned them a spot in the top-five teams in the nation, according to college basketball analyst Andy Katz. In his weekly power rankings released on Monday, Katz placed Duke at No. 5, despite a somewhat underwhelming victory over Incarnate Word last Tuesday.
Katz praised Duke for consistently dominating weaker opponents, writing, “Duke has done a tremendous job of beating the teams soundly that it should.” He also emphasized that the Blue Devils hold a strong position in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), stating, “The ACC is Duke’s to lose.” This statement highlights Duke’s dominant form and their favorable chances to win the conference title this season.
Duke’s win over Incarnate Word was a bit more challenging than anticipated, but the Blue Devils were able to pull away in the second half, securing a commanding 26-point victory. This marked their fifth win by 20 points or more this season. After a close first half, where Duke led by just three points, the Blue Devils outscored the Cardinals 43-28 in the second half to seal the victory. This performance showcased their ability to step up when needed and execute in key moments.
Earlier in the season, Duke had already impressed with some notable victories, including their first ACC game, a hard-fought 84-78 win over Louisville. In this game, Duke showed resilience and composure, overcoming a tough challenge from the Cardinals. Their victory over Auburn also stands out as one of the best wins of the 2024-25 season, further solidifying their status as one of the country’s top teams. This win was particularly impressive as Auburn had been a strong contender.
Katz’s rankings saw the Tennessee Volunteers hold their position at No. 1, while Auburn remained at No. 2. Following Duke at No. 5, Iowa State and Kentucky rounded out the top five, in alignment with the rankings in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The inclusion of these teams at the top reflects their strong performances and the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Among the ACC teams, Duke remains the dominant force, but the Clemson Tigers, ranked No. 15 by Katz, are the only other ACC team to make his top 37 list. This suggests that while Duke is clearly a standout, the conference still features a competitive field, with Clemson showing promise.
Duke’s strong start to the season, combined with its depth of talent and impressive coaching, has set high expectations for the team moving forward. With players like Cooper Flagg leading the charge, the Blue Devils are expected to continue their ascent in the rankings, particularly in ACC play. Katz’s remarks underline Duke’s potential to not only dominate the conference but also compete for a national title, with their current trajectory suggesting they will be a major force throughout the season.
As the season progresses, the Blue Devils will need to maintain their level of play, particularly in big matchups against other top-ranked teams. Their ability to consistently win by large margins shows that they can handle different styles of play, from defensive battles to high-scoring shootouts. However, to solidify their place as one of the nation’s elite teams, they will need to show continued improvement and avoid any slip-ups, particularly against tougher opponents.
In summary, Duke’s recent form has earned them a spot among the nation’s top five teams, and the combination of strong wins, including over Auburn and Louisville, has cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. With Cooper Flagg leading the charge, and a solid supporting cast around him, the Blue Devils are well-positioned to continue their successful campaign and potentially challenge for national glory. Andy Katz’s rankings reflect the growing consensus that Duke is back among the elite, and the season ahead promises plenty of excitement for their fans.
