JAY BILAS SAYS DUKE IS ONE OF THE TWO BEST TEAMS IN THE NCAA
Durham, N.C. ESPN analyst and former Duke basketball player Jay Bilas made waves this week with his bold take on the current college basketball landscape. In a segment aired on ESPN’s College GameDay, Bilas firmly stated that Duke is “without question” one of the two best teams in the country heading into the heart of the NCAA tournament season.
The Blue Devils, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, have caught fire in recent weeks with a combination of elite guard play, versatile bigs, and a defense that ranks among the top in efficiency nationally. Their recent dominant win over North Carolina only added fuel to the argument.
“They’ve got experience, they’ve got five-star talent, and most importantly, they’ve got that Duke edge,” Bilas said. “I’d put them right there with [insert top-ranked team, e.g. UConn or Kansas] as the top two teams in the country.”
Bilas, who played under Coach K and has been one of the sport’s most respected voices, has never shied away from giving Duke credit—but he’s also known for being brutally honest, even with his alma mater. So when he praises this team so highly, it carries weight.
WHY BILAS BELIEVES IN THIS DUKE TEAM
Jay Bilas pointed to three major reasons why he believes Duke is built for a deep run:
1. Balanced Roster:
Duke has found the perfect mix of veteran leadership and youthful explosiveness. Senior guard Jeremy Roach brings poise and composure, while freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has dazzled with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability.
“Flagg is a special player,” Bilas said. “He’s got the motor of a veteran and the instincts of a top-tier NBA prospect.”
2. Elite Coaching:
Though Jon Scheyer is still early in his head coaching career, Bilas praised his adjustments and game management this season.
“People questioned whether he could step into Coach K’s shoes,” Bilas added. “But he’s not trying to be Coach K—he’s building something fresh, and it’s working.”
3. Defensive Tenacity:
Duke’s defense has been stifling, ranking in the top five for points allowed per possession. Their ability to switch, rotate, and close out on shooters has stumped some of the nation’s most potent offenses.
Bilas noted how Duke’s defensive mindset sets the tone early in games and allows their offense to thrive in transition.
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR DUKE
While Duke is currently projected as a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in most bracket projections, the path to a national title won’t be easy. They’ll face tough competition in the tournament, including potential matchups against fellow blue bloods and upstart programs.
But Bilas believes this version of Duke is battle-tested.
“They’ve taken some lumps, they’ve grown from them, and now they’re peaking at the right time,” he said. “That’s the recipe for a Final Four run.”
The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, but if Bilas’s words hold true, Duke fans may want to start clearing their calendars for April.
Final Thought:
Whether or not the Blue Devils cut down the nets this season, one thing is certain—Jay Bilas sees greatness in this team, and when it comes to college basketball, his word is never taken lightly.
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