Baylor: The Kind of NCAA Tournament Test Duke Has Struggled to Handle — But Was Built to Pass
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for a challenge that many experts believe will test them in ways they have struggled with in the past. That test? A potential matchup against Baylor, a program that has quickly become one of the most formidable forces in college basketball. However, despite the historical struggles Duke has had against teams like Baylor, this current iteration of the Blue Devils may be the best-equipped to handle such a challenge.
Baylor, the 2021 NCAA champions, has built a reputation as a tough, physical team that excels in transition and defends at an elite level. Known for their perimeter shooting, high-intensity defense, and unrelenting pace, the Bears are a team that often thrives in high-stakes tournament games, especially against teams that struggle with matchups that feature athleticism and depth. Their balance of inside dominance and outside shooting creates a multi-dimensional threat that can be hard to contain, particularly for teams that don’t have the same versatility.
In recent years, Duke has encountered issues when faced with similarly structured teams, particularly during the NCAA Tournament. In 2018, the Blue Devils were knocked out in the Elite Eight by a physical Michigan State team, and in 2022, they lost to a more experienced and grittier North Carolina squad in the Final Four. Both of these teams possessed similar characteristics to Baylor—strong guard play, depth, and a willingness to engage in a physical, high-tempo game. Duke, despite its talent, often struggled to match that intensity, particularly in games where defensive adjustments and ball movement were key.
However, Duke’s current roster—led by head coach Jon Scheyer—is not only aware of these struggles but has been specifically constructed to overcome them. This year’s team is filled with a blend of experience, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, making them far better equipped to handle the demands of a team like Baylor.
One of Duke’s key advantages over previous years is its depth. With multiple players capable of scoring at all three levels, the Blue Devils no longer rely solely on one or two players to carry the offensive load. Freshman forward Kyle Filipowski has been a revelation, adding both size and finesse in the post, while guard Tyrese Proctor provides the necessary perimeter shooting and ball-handling. Along with veterans like Jeremy Roach, who provides poise under pressure, Duke’s offense has become a well-rounded, dynamic force.
On defense, Duke is built to challenge Baylor’s style of play. The Blue Devils have one of the best shot-blocking duos in the country with Filipowski and Dereck Lively II, who can alter shots around the rim and force difficult looks for Baylor’s shooters. Additionally, Duke’s length and athleticism across the board allow them to guard multiple positions, potentially neutralizing Baylor’s perimeter shooting and forcing them to take contested shots. The combination of size, speed, and defensive schemes gives Duke a chance to limit Baylor’s transition game, a key part of their success.
But perhaps the biggest advantage Duke has over previous years is their ability to play physical basketball without compromising their finesse. This year’s team has proven it can withstand and thrive in tough, gritty matchups, whether it be through disciplined ball movement or stepping up in clutch moments. This is the kind of resilience that Duke has lacked in the past when facing a team like Baylor, but it’s also what will allow them to push past the Bears should they meet in the NCAA Tournament.
Duke will still need to execute flawlessly, particularly in controlling the pace and making adjustments when Baylor goes on runs, but this is a Blue Devils team built to withstand that type of challenge. If they can use their depth, size, and defensive prowess to limit Baylor’s strengths, they will be well-positioned to emerge victorious, proving that they are no longer the team that crumbles against physically imposing foes.
In what promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament, Duke may finally be ready to handle the kind of test they’ve historically struggled with—thanks to a roster designed to pass it.
