Duke Basketball: Blue Devils 2019-20 season preview
Non-Conference Schedule Breakdown
November 5 – Kansas (Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden)
Right off the bat, Duke will get one of the biggest tests of their season. This will be the first time the Blue Devils have faced off with Kansas since losing in overtime during the Elite Eight in 2018.
Kansas has one of the best returning players in the nation, Devon Dotson, who will undoubtedly be the leader for the Jayhawks during the 2019-20 season. Dotson, who averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, will likely be the first option now without Quentin Grimes and Dedric Lawson.
Dotson however, is not the only option for Kansas as they also have Marcus Garret and Ochai Ogbaji coming back to Lawrence. In addition, the Jayhawks also have 73rd ranked recruit, Jalen Wilson joining the team.
If Duke manages to handle the Jayhawks, this would be a great way to start the season.
Prediction: Duke-76 Kansas-71
November 21 – California (Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden)
After the Champions Classic game against Kansas, the Blue Devils won’t play another power five conference team until California on November 21st. This game which will be apart of the Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden, won’t be much of a test for Duke, but it will look good on their resume.
Cal finished as the worst team in the PAC 12 last season and it looks as if they won’t be much better for the 2019-20 season. Aside from Paris Austin, the Golden Bears don’t have many of their good players from last season returning which could be a problem.
That being said, Duke won’t have any problems with the Golden Bears in New York.
Prediction: Duke-89 California-64
November 22 – Texas or Georgetown (Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden)
Both Texas and Georgetown failed to make the tournament last season which makes you think this game won’t be a problem and you’re most likely right. However, Texas has three players ranked in the top-100 coming to Austin which could be a good sign.
The Longhorns, who despite losing their two leading scorers from the 2018-19 season in Kerwin Roach II and Dylan Osetkowski, have plenty of other returning talent heading into the 2019-20 season. Guards Matt Coleman, Jese Febres and Courtney Ramey will form a tough and experienced backcourt.
For that reason, I would expect Texas to beat Georgetown, thus facing off with Duke on November 21st. Not only that, but I would also expect the Longhorns to be ranked once the matchup with the Blue Devils come around.
This would be big for Duke because it would give them another chance at getting a ranked win before the season starts aside from the Kansas and Michigan State games.
Prediction: Duke-72 Texas-64
December 3 – Michigan State (ACC/B1G Challenge at Michigan State)
In a rematch of the 2019 Elite Eight game that the Blue Devils lost by one, this will likely be Duke’s toughest test of the season as Michigan State will probably be the top-ranked team in the nation when the season starts.
With their best player from last season, Cassius Winston coming back for his senior season, the Spartans will be dangerous next year. Not only is Winston coming back but they also have Joshua Langford and Xavier Tillman returning to East Lansing.
In addition to these three, the Spartans also have Rocket Watts jr. and Malik Hall who were ranked 33rd and 57th in the Class of 2019 respectfully.
That being said, Michigan State is going to be a force to be reckoned with during the 2019-20 season and unless Duke can minimize their mistakes, this will be a long night.