NCAA Tournament 2019: Reranking the teams remaining in the Sweet 16

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: Brandon Clarke #15 and the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after their win against the Baylor Bears in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 24: Duke Blue Devils react. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Duke Blue Devils

Results: Wins over North Dakota State (85-62) and UCF (77-76)

Duke narrowly avoided disaster in the second round as they were given a major test by UCF. And while they did not drop that game (you make your own judgments on the officiating), some will start to worry about their potential as a national title favorite. I mean, the team does not boast a ton of experience. With this said, though, it would be a mistake to think that the Blue Devils are not still one of the top favorites to win it all. They are extremely talented, well-coached, and dominate just about every team that crosses their path (and it is also reasonable to say that UCF was a tough matchup for them).

Duke has the best player in all of college basketball with Zion Williamson leading the way and the supporting cast around him is elite. I mean, a projected top-5 pick in the NBA Draft this summer is the second option while two other future professionals can also fill it up when necessary. Sure, the team lacks depth and maybe balance but the top-end talent on the roster is second to none.

The Blue Devils might not the nation’s favorite team but they are certainly fun to watch. And while I understand that their media coverage might be overblown, this team plays at a fast pace, defends at a high level, and is basically a 40-minute highlight reel. It wasn’t easy for Duke to escape the opening weekend but they deserve to stay in the top-5 regardless.

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