Duke has been playing at an elite level lately, dominating opponents and looking like a team determined to make history. With just three games left in the regular season, Jon Scheyer’s squad, led by Cooper Flagg, is carrying serious momentum into March. However, according to an ACC veteran, their championship hopes face some tough competition.
During The Field of 68: After Dark, hosts John Fanta, Mike LaTulip, and former Naismith Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough discussed Duke’s dominance. When asked if Duke was his pick to win the national championship, Hansbrough’s response was surprising. “No. A big reason for that is Alabama. I picked them early on, and I want to stay committed to Alabama.”
Hansbrough’s choice makes sense considering Alabama is coming off a Final Four appearance and has been investing heavily in its basketball program. Last year, the Crimson Tide spent about $15.3 million on the program and brought in $21.3 million in revenue, showing both financial commitment and success. With their level of performance and resources, Alabama is a legitimate contender for the title.
That said, Hansbrough still gave Duke its due credit. He acknowledged that Duke is one of the few real title contenders this season, passing the eye test for many analysts and fans alike. The Blue Devils are extremely well-coached, and their current five-game winning streak has propelled them to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, overtaking Florida.
Duke’s Physical Advantage
Hansbrough also pointed out that Duke’s length gives them a significant edge. “When you have their athletic abilities—and I’m not just talking about Cooper Flagg. I’m talking about that Maluach kid that protects the paint, controls the rim, contests everything, and challenges everybody’s shot.”
Khaman Maluach, Duke’s seven-foot-two center from South Sudan, has been a defensive anchor. His ability to switch onto smaller, quicker guards while maintaining rim protection has been crucial for the team’s success.
A Tough Road Ahead
Despite their dominance, Duke will face stiff competition in March Madness. The top-seeded teams this year are no pushovers, and every game will be a battle. A key question for Jon Scheyer and his coaching staff is how they will handle close games.
Duke’s Dependence on Cooper Flagg
Duke has leaned heavily on Cooper Flagg in clutch moments. Given his versatility—his ability to defend, facilitate, and make smart plays—it’s understandable why they trust him. However, one criticism of the potential No. 1 overall draft pick is his struggles in late-game situations.
While Flagg is an elite all-around player, he isn’t a pure scorer. His impact comes from his basketball IQ, passing, and defense rather than isolation scoring. This has been evident in games against top teams like Kentucky, Kansas, and Clemson, where he couldn’t close out tight contests.
Hansbrough raised a crucial point: “Are they gonna continue to put Cooper Flagg in an iso situation and rely on him too much instead of disguising the iso and getting some type of action that leads to a better shot?”
Some teams have already started to figure out Flagg’s tendencies, making it harder for him to take over games in crunch time. Clemson, for example, held him to an inefficient 18 points in their recent matchup. Fortunately for Duke, they have other offensive weapons like Kon Kneuppel and Khaman Maluach, who have proven they can contribute significantly.
What’s Next for Duke?
Jon Scheyer has multiple options as he navigates the final stretch of the season. The Blue Devils have all the pieces to compete for a national championship, regardless of what analysts say about Alabama or other contenders.
The big question remains: Can Duke rely on Cooper Flagg to lead them to a title, or will their dependence on him become their Achilles’ heel? March Madness will reveal the answer.