Duke Men’s Basketball Reclaims No. 1 Ranking for First Time Since 2021
For the first time since 2021, the Duke Blue Devils have ascended to the top spot in college basketball, claiming the No. 1 ranking in the latest AP Top 25 Poll. This achievement marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle of NCAA basketball for the storied program, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, who has quickly established himself as a successor to the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.
Duke’s rise to the top is a testament to their remarkable consistency, depth, and skill this season. The Blue Devils have been a dominant force on both ends of the court, showcasing an ability to control games defensively while maintaining an explosive offense. With key players like Kyle Filipowski, Jeremy Roach, and Tyrese Proctor leading the charge, Duke has looked nearly unstoppable at times, cementing their place at the top of the rankings.
Filipowski, a 7-foot sophomore forward, has been one of the standout players for the Blue Devils. His scoring ability, combined with his rebounding and shot-blocking prowess, has made him one of the most complete players in the nation. Roach, the senior point guard, has provided veteran leadership, running the offense with poise and efficiency, while Proctor, a talented freshman guard, has proven himself to be a playmaker and scorer in his first year at Duke.
Duke’s success is also a reflection of Scheyer’s seamless transition from assistant coach to head coach. After taking over the reins from Krzyzewski, who retired following the 2021 season, Scheyer has made an immediate impact on the program. His ability to maintain Duke’s standard of excellence while instilling his own philosophy has paid off in the form of a dominant and well-rounded team. Under Scheyer, the Blue Devils have maintained their tradition of recruiting elite talent, but have also embraced a more team-oriented style of play, allowing the players to shine individually while prioritizing the collective success of the team.
This new era of Duke basketball comes at a time when the ACC is once again one of the most competitive conferences in the country, with several teams, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami, vying for national attention. Yet, Duke has emerged as the clear leader in the conference, building on their strong performances in both non-conference play and ACC matchups. Their ability to win big games against top-ranked teams has solidified their position at No. 1.
The return to the top spot also represents a significant achievement for the program, especially after the challenges posed by the transition following Coach K’s retirement. With high expectations for success, Duke faced the task of rebuilding a program that had been synonymous with Coach K’s leadership for over four decades. The Blue Devils’ No. 1 ranking signals that they have successfully navigated that transition, positioning themselves as one of the elite teams in the country.
Looking ahead, Duke has a promising road to the NCAA Tournament, but the target on their back will only grow as they continue to dominate in the regular season. As the Blue Devils seek to capture their sixth national title in school history, their time at No. 1 is not just a reflection of their current success, but also a reminder that Duke basketball is back at the top where it belongs.
With their balance of youth and experience, dynamic playmakers, and coaching stability, Duke is primed to make a deep run in March, and with the No. 1 ranking in hand, they are ready to prove that their rise to the top is no fluke.
