Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: More Intel on Scheduled Matchup With Fellow Blueblood

Duke basketball’s battle with Kansas next season seems to be part of a larger event in the works.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guard Tyrese Proctor and head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball guard Tyrese Proctor and head coach Jon Scheyer / Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports
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When Duke basketball was first reported to be matching up with fellow blueblood program Kansas next season, fans of both sides were excited to see the two programs set up for an early season showdown.

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While some fans questioned the decision to play the game at a neutral site in Las Vegas rather than a home-and-home series in the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium and Allen Fieldhouse, it appears that decision was ultimately for a greater reason.

On Wednesday, national college hoops analyst Rocco Miller reported that the battle between the Blue Devils and the Jayhawks, likely in November, would be tied to a multiple team event hosted by ESPN in Las Vegas.

The report comes after rumors earlier in the year of a potential NIL-focused multi-team event that would showcase some of the biggest brands in the sport, likely including powerhouses such as Duke and Kansas, facing off for added NIL prizes.

Duke and Kansas are no strangers to facing one another, with plenty of recent matchups facilitated by the early season Champions Classic that also includes Kentucky and Michigan State.

But if these reports end up being true, it seems the two sides could have a little extra to play for this time around.

In his first season as Duke basketball head coach, Jon Scheyer and his Blue Devils fell to Bill Self's Jayhawks, 69-64, in Indianapolis as part of the 2022 Champions Classic.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more 2024-25 schedule announcements and other Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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