Underrated Part of Duke’s Non-Conference Schedule Scheyer Prioritized

The Duke basketball program will play one of the toughest non-conference schedules in college basketball this season.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have made it a point over the last few years to put together a stellar slate of early games for his team, but this year is a bit different.

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Typically, Duke’s rosters over the last several years have been very new and very young. So, scheduling elite opponents forces guys to grow up and gel faster. In 2026-27, the Blue Devils have more continuity and experience than they have over the past few years.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on against the UConn Huskies in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Key Underrated Part of Duke’s Non-Conference Schedule

Now, that isn’t to say that the Blue Devils’ gauntlet of a non-conference slate won’t be highly beneficial. There’s a real chance that Duke will play four top-10 teams in the sport by the new calendar year (Michigan State, UConn, Illinois, Florida).

However, one aspect of the Blue Devils’ non-conference slate has stood out throughout the offseason. Scheyer and Co. deserve a ton of credit for scheduling games in true college basketball environments, something that often feels lacking with so many multi-team events each season.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) dribbles the ball as UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) defends in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke, Illinois, and Florida probably have the three best rosters in college hoops heading into the year. The Blue Devils will host the Fighting Illini at Cameron Indoor Stadium in November and will take on UF…

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Publish date : 2026-09-21 13:11:00

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