NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates 
There is an old saying in college basketball that tradition never graduates. At Duke University, winning championships is not just a goal – it is an expectation.
As the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches, the Blue Devils once again find themselves in familiar territory. With a strong returning roster, a couple of key additions through the transfer portal, and one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, Duke is the overwhelming preseason favorite to capture another Atlantic Coast Conference championship and make a serious run at the national title.
Advertisement
But for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and his Blue Devils, winning the ACC championship is only part of the mission. The ultimate goal is cutting down the nets on the final Monday night of the college basketball season.And after two consecutive seasons ending in heartbreak, the Blue Devils are hungry to finish the job.
A Frontcourt That Could Be Among America’s Best
Among Duke’s biggest strengths this season will be its size, length and athleticism in the frontcourt. Returning 6-11 center Patrick Ngongba II gives the Blue Devils an experienced presence in the paint. Combined with a talented group of incoming freshmen, Duke could feature one of the tallest and most physically imposing frontcourts in America.
Ngongba has continued working to expand his offensive game. When I talked with him, he told me that he had spent considerable time during the offseason developing his midrange jumper and improving his three-point shooting.
Advertisement
That could be a major development for Duke. If Ngongba can consistently step away from the basket and knock down perimeter shots, it will create additional scoring opportunities for his teammates and make the Blue Devils much more difficult to defend. The ability to stretch the floor with a big man changes the entire complexion of an offense.
Experience in the Backcourt
While Duke’s size will attract plenty of attention, the experience returning in the backcourt could be just…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/coach-corner-duke-blue-devils-153146794.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-10-16 15:31:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
