30 simple reasons Duke basketball will win 30 games
By Matt Giles
The 30 reasons Duke basketball will win 30 games: Nos. 16-20
16. Although the Blue Devils didn’t exactly capitalize on it, the competition level in the ACC was noticeably down last year. And it may not improve by much in the upcoming season, providing Duke with another opening to possibly cruise in a 20-game conference slate.
17. When it comes to preseason rankings, the Blue Devils look to begin somewhere just inside the top 15 or maybe even the top 10, indicating considerable belief amongst experts that the program will bounce right back from the 2020-21 underachievement.
18. Because Duke’s anticipated ranking is respectful yet not overly generous, the fellas in Durham shouldn’t get too full of themselves early. Still, they should at least carry the early swagger from being a ranked team.
19. The Cameron Crazies expect to be back in the stands after the pandemic erased that renowned Duke basketball advantage last season. Sure, they’ll likely be in masks the entire season, but they are also likely to get creative in using their masks as props to aid in their devilish antics.
20. Mike Krzyzewski has an excellent primary staff by his side next season. All four assistants are former Blue Devils. Three are past national champs in Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Amile Jefferson. One is in his 40s: Chris Carrawell. Two are in their 30s: Scheyer and Smith. And Jefferson, who adds a much-needed big man to the equation, is 28 years old.