Duke basketball has climbed to #6 in the AP Poll after starting the season with two wins against Maine and Army, improving from a preseason ranking of #7. The team's next challenge will be a pivotal matchup against #19 Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic. While the victory over weaker opponents wasn’t particularly impressive, Duke's ranking aligns with the performance of other top teams, including Kansas and Auburn, which also saw significant movement in the poll. With the Blue Devils lacking resume-building wins, their current position seems justified but relies heavily on their upcoming performance.

By the Numbers
  • Duke started the season 2-0 after wins against Maine and Army.
  • Auburn jumped Duke in the rankings, moving from #11 to #5 after a win against then #4 Houston.
State of Play
  • Duke's ranking at #6 reflects their performance amid other teams' movements in the AP Poll.
  • The Blue Devils are set to face a significant test against #19 Kentucky, impacting their future ranking.
What's Next

A victory against Kentucky could enhance Duke's ranking in the next poll, particularly if #1 Kansas loses to an unranked opponent. Following this week, a more competitive slate will further clarify the standings in the AP Poll.

Bottom Line

Duke’s #6 ranking in the AP Poll appears justified given their early-season wins, while future performance against ranked opponents will be crucial for their ascent in the rankings. The upcoming game against Kentucky is pivotal for both their reputation and ranking.