Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: No-Identity Blue Devils Overrated by Voters

As things stand, Duke basketball doesn't deserve a ranking by its name.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball forward Kyle Filipowski (Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports)
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Jon Scheyer's second Duke basketball squad lost both its games last week: at unranked Arkansas, 80-75, on Wednesday night and at unranked Georgia Tech, 72-68, on Saturday. As a result, many figured the then-No. 7 Blue Devils (5-3, 0-1 ACC) would drop out of the AP Top 25 Poll this week.

After all, Duke has neither established an identity nor defeated any currently ranked foes. A month into the 2023-24 campaign, despite an abundance of former five-star preps and four 2022-23 starters on the roster, these Blue Devils present a dull product to watch.

And Scheyer sounds like a guy desperately searching for answers, as his Blue Devils, who started the season ranked No. 2 in the country, are now one loss away from becoming the program's first in 41 years to tally four losses before Christmas.

Nevertheless, Duke fell only 15 spots to No. 22 in the eyes of the AP voters on Monday afternoon.

Three other ACC teams appear in this week's top 25: UNC at No. 9, Miami at No. 15, and Clemson at No. 24.

Duke basketball now has several days to try to figure things out in practice before hosting unranked Charlotte (4-3, 0-0 AAC) on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET (The CW) and welcoming unranked Hofstra to Cameron Indoor Stadium three days later.

Then, on Dec. 20, the Blue Devils face No. 6 Baylor in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Duke's Jon Scheyer Looking to 'Probably Make Some Changes'

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more 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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