NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 2023 inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge matchups
1. Duke Blue Devils at Arkansas Razorbacks
Duke almost never plays a true road game in the non-con schedule unless mandated by challenges such as this. And did they get placed in a tough environment, as Bud Walton Arena is one of the most difficult to play at. The Razorbacks are a projected top-15 team, thanks to another stellar recruiting class.
After losing all three five-star prospects from last season, Arkansas landed six transfers. Five come via the backcourt, including 18 ppg scorers, El Ellis and Khalif Battle. Tramon Mark was a key piece on Houston’s roster, while Davonte Davis and Washington transfer Keyon Menifield round out the roster. Plus, Trevon Brazile is back from a season-ending injury and is joined by five-star forward prospect, Baye Fall.
As good as the Razorbacks roster looks, Duke may be the No. 1 preseason team in NCAA Basketball next season. Once again, they lost a couple of pieces to the NBA. However, they were able to return much more. Leading scorer Kyle Filipowski is back, along with starting guard Tyrese Proctor and double-digit veteran scorer, Jeremy Roach. Plus, a top-2 incoming recruiting class adds to the elite depth up and down this roster.
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A top-3 team playing a true road game is always going to be a “must-watch” game. But Duke playing at Arkansas, who’ll once again have Final Four aspirations, could be one of the top non-conference matchups for the entire 2023-24 campaign. It’s not Duke vs Kentucky but this could actually end up being a better matchup several months from now.