As we get set for March Madness at Top Bet, we’re taking a closer look at the college basketball teams that will affect your bracket the most: the favorites. We’ve looked at powerhouses Wichita State, Kansas, Arizona, Florida and Syracuse, and today we move on to perennial challengers the Duke Blue Devils.
With another great crop of players at his disposal, Coach Mike Krzyzewski is preparing Duke squad for a run at at his fifth national championship, which would put him alone in second place all-time behind the great John Wooden.
Duke Blue Devils NCAA March Madness Preview
Key to Success – 3-point Shooting
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]This year’s Duke team is built on elite three-point shooting. The Blue Devils are currently sixth in both threes made (269 and counting) and three-point percentage (40%). Rodney Hood and Andre Dawkins are averaging over two threes per game while shooting over 43% from beyond the arc.
MVP – Jabari Parker
It’s safe to say that freshman Jabari Parker has lived up to the hype this season. While his fellow phenom Andrew Wiggins has shied away from the spotlight at times, Parker has embraced his role as the focal point of his Duke squad. He leads the team in points (18.8 PPG), rebounds (8.9 RPG) and blocks (1.4 BPG).
Achilles Heel – Front court depth
Josh Hairston (1.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG) and Marshall Plumlee (1.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG) have been ineffective this season, while Amile Jefferson is barely an imposing inside presence with his 6-9, 210-pound frame. Protecting the paint could be a big issue for the Blue Devils come tournament time.
Season Highlight – Sulaimon’s Answered Prayer vs. Syracuse
Although Duke would ultimately lose the game, Rasheed Sulaimon’s clutch three-pointer to send their first game against Syracuse into overtime is no doubt the highlight play of Duke’s season so far.
Prediction
Duke has its flaws, especially on defense, but with Parker leading an elite offense, the Blue Devils should be a comfortable Elite Eight team once again this season. If Hood and Dawkins can catch fire from beyond the arc in the tournament, Duke could be worth a look at +600 to win it all.
Whoever your favorite is, bet on them and the rest of college basketball at Top Bet, America’s best online sportsbook.
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