Duquesne Basketball: Ranking the 10 confirmed D-I non-con opponents for 2024-25 season

Last season ended for Duquesne Basketball in historic fashion. They won the A-10 Tournament to end a decades-long drought to the NCAA Tournament. They also had some bright spots throughout the regular season, including solid wins in the non-conference against UC Irvine, Bradley, and College of Charleston.

There's a new coach leading the program in Dru Joyce, along with several incoming transfers. But the completed schedule features some rematches in the non-con slate, along with the invite to the Cayman Islands Tournament in November, that could have the Dukes face Boise State, Boston College, and others.

Outside of NAIA program Cleary, Duquesne has 10 confirmed D-I opponents in the non-con slate for the 2024-25 campaign, including a few away from home. Here's a power ranking in terms of toughest foes.

10. Maine Black Bears - Nov 10 (H)

2023-24 season record: 15-17 (9-9 America East)

The 15 wins from last season was actually the best for the program since the 2010-11 campaign, as they've been a consistent bottom team in the America East. They return their top three guards, including Kellen Tymes, who averaged 12.6 ppg and 3.6 apg. But the revamped frontcourt is a major question mark and outside of an upset win over Boston College recently, they've not faired well against superior compettion.

9. Saint Peter's Peacocks - Dec 3 (H)

2023-24 season record: 19-14 (12-8 MAAC)

Last season's MAAC Tournament champs lost by nine points at Duquesne a year ago and were one of the top scoring defenses in the country overall. But with the top four scorers gone, including All-MAAC forward Corey Washington, the team could be in for a rebuild. Guards Marcus Randolph and Armoni Zeigler will have larger roles in the offense, while Miami (OH) transfer forward Jaquel Morris is the newcomer to watch.