Duquesne Basketball: Ranking the 10 confirmed D-I non-con opponents for 2024-25 season
4. Towson Tigers - Dec 14 (N)
2023-24 season record: 20-14 (11-7 CAA)
The annual matchup at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron features the Tigers, who return four starters, though none scored more than 11 ppg. The balanced attack is led by guards Christian May and Tyler Tejada, while Tomiwa Sulaiman and IU Indy transfer Abdou Samb make up the key frontcourt pieces. How they replace multi-year all-league defensive big Charles Thompson will be key to their chances in the CAA.
3. UC Irvine Anteaters - Dec 21 (H)
2023-24 season record: 24-10 (17-3 Big West)
The Anteaters lost by four points at Duquesne last season and, after the series' schedule changed, will be back in Pittsburgh again. Four starters are back, led by senior guards Justin Hohn-Mack and Andre Henry. Colorado State transfer Kyle Evans joins the frontcourt of Devin Tillis and Bent Leuchten to give them more depth. Overall, Irvine should remain one of the best mid-major programs in the country this year.
2. DePaul Blue Demons - Nov 15 (A)
2023-24 season record: 3-29 (0-20 Big East)
The last time these two teams played, Duquesne pulled off the win at home a couple of years ago. This time, it’s a completely different program led by Chris Holtmann, the new head coach. The team has 12 new rosters, led by guards Jacob Meyer and Isaiah Rivera, and David Skogman, a double-digit scoring big man from familiar foe, Davidson. It’s unknown how good DePaul will ultimately be, but on paper, has both talent and coaching to contend with.
1. Princeton Tigers - Nov 8 (N)
2023-24 season record: 24-5 (12-2 Ivy League)
The Ivy League lost a lot of talent to the transfer portal, and even Princeton wasn’t exempt, losing both Matt Allocco and Zach Martini. However, they were able to bring back their stars in Xaivian Lee (17.1 ppg and 3.7 apg) and Caden Pierce (16.6 ppg and 9.2 rpg). Sophomore Dalen Davis will have a larger role, though the frontcourt depth could be a concern against bigger teams like the Dukes.
Next. Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25. Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25. dark
Last year, Princeton pulled off the last-second road win at Duquense, with Lee and Pierce having big games. This time, it’s a neutral-site game in New Jersey in the season's first week. Can the Dukes get revenge and start the season off strong?