One Area Duke Basketball Will Dominate UNC This Season

The Duke Blue Devils have remained a perennial blue-blood program in college basketball since transitioning from Mike Krzyzewski to Jon Scheyer, and North Carolina is looking to return to that status.

Scheyer and his staff built one of the deepest and most talented rosters in college hoops heading into the year, and the Blue Devils are once again a top contender to cut down the nets in April 2027. The Tar Heels are in a bit of a different boat.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen 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

UNC brought in former NBA champion Michael Malone as its next head coach, along with 11 new players. Both teams have different expectations heading into the year, but there’s one clear area where Duke will dominate the Heels this season.

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) handles the ball against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke Will Dominate the Interior Battle Against UNC

Defensive length and switchability are two of Scheyer’s calling cards in roster building, and Duke could have one of the most impactful two-way frontcourts in the country this season.

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It starts with getting Patrick Ngongba back for his junior season, a 6’11” center who, if he stays healthy, will be one of the best defensive centers in college basketball. Ngongba ranked eighth nationally in Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating last season, per EvanMiya.

Belmont’s Drew Scharnowski (11) blocks a shot by Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson in the second half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. Johnson was fouled before the block. The…

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Publish date : 2026-10-02 11:48:00

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