The top five ‘what if’ Duke basketball seasons of all time

Duke basketball (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Duke basketball (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – Jordan Goldwire, Vernon Carey Jr., and Matthew Hurt of the Duke basketball team react after a play against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 10, 2020, in Durham, North Carolina. The Blue Devils won, 70-65. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Though an impressive five Duke basketball seasons have come to end with the ultimate trophy in hand, one might argue the count could be almost double that amount at this point; for one observer, a handful of missed opportunities stand out from the rest.

As the quarantine comes slowly to a merciful end, we as a society can start taking store and looking back at the time that was. Looking back and reminiscing on time spent during notable periods provide great talking points for later days.

ALSO READ: The five all-time greatest Duke tournament games to rewatch

Sometimes, though, fathoming memories from a notable time isn’t pleasant. The pain and anguish can be more memorable than good thoughts. In that jolly spirit, I present to you the five Duke basketball seasons that still sometimes make me think of what could have equated to more net-cutting ceremonies in April for head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his guys.

These are solely my opinion, and I don’t include some of the years when the Blue Devils did not have the nation’s best team (like that ever really happens). So without further ado, let’s get to it, starting with these four heartbreaking honorable mentions that would likely land on some other fans’ such lists…