Jon Scheyer and Duke will once again enter the season as one of the favorites in the national championship race. The Blue Devils are likely going to start at No. 2 in the AP Poll behind only Florida, though the recent Colorado ruling being stayed could throw a wrench in that if Denzel Aberdeen isn't ultimately granted eligibility.
In any case, it's clear in the preseason that Duke and Florida are in a league of their own. They are on equal footing in championship odds, and they'll open the season as the two favorites to meet in Detroit with the national title on the line.
CBS Sports' Matt Norlander spoke to a bunch of coaches around the country who remained anonymous to get a feel for what the consensus is around the country. 55% voted Florida as the team to beat, while just 16% voted for Duke. Tennessee was a surprising third, but down at 7%.
One of the coaches had an interesting thought about Duke that points to the critical X-factor for Scheyer's team in 2026-27:
"Can't believe I'm saying this, but if Duke's frontcourt is good AT ALL, they are in pole position," said one anonymous coach.
Duke's frontcourt could hold the keys to Jon Scheyer bringing a national title back to Durham
Duke has run everything through its frontcourt the last two seasons with Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer. That will change in 2026-27. The strength of Duke's roster is in the backcourt, led by veteran guards John Blackwell and Caleb Foster, along with young, talented guys in Cayden Boozer and Deron Rippey Jr.
Blackwell was the splashy addition in the Transfer Portal from Wisconsin. He's widely expected to lead the Blue Devils in scoring next season.
Duke projects to have one of the top backcourts in the nation, something that has been a weaker point on the roster in recent seasons. The swing spot might be the frontcourt, which is loaded with talent, though it is less proven.
Scheyer needs Patrick Ngongba to stay healthy throughout the course of the season. Don't be surprised if he's on more of a minutes restriction early. Duke will need him, but they aren't as beholden to that this season as they were last. When Ngongba missed time, the Blue Devils were hurting in the paint, particularly on defense.
That's what made the addition of Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski so pivotal in the portal. He'll be the backup at the five, fully capable of shouldering a significant burden for the Blue Devils.
How quickly the two elite freshmen fours - Cameron Williams and Joaquim Boumtje Boutmje - can get comfortable will determine whether the frontcourt can reach its immense potential.
Williams has been projected to be the starter for a while, but the 17-year-old Boumtje Boumtje had an eye-opening summer. He may already be the most talented player on campus, and while it might take him a little bit of time to comfortably adjust to the college game, by the time ACC play rolls around, he could be one of the best players in the league.
I'm bullish on the potential of this frontcourt. Odds seem to favor one of the freshmen being really good right away. Ngongba is one of the most impactful centers in the country, and if he can stay healthy, he's going to be a monster in the middle for Scheyer.
This is a talented, deep, and balanced roster. One that will be right in the thick of the national title mix. And as one anonymous coach put it:
"They're due for some good luck."
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