Last season the Duke Blue Devils had a decent year throughout the NCAA college basketball regular season, but weren’t really considered to be an NCAA title contender heading into the NCAA Tournament. Even though no one was really talking about Coach K leading his squad to another NCAA title; that is exactly what happened and this season he might be looking to do what only a few college basketball head coaches have ever done by winning a second consecutive NCAA championship title.
Now the odds are against the Blue Devils once again as despite heading into the NCAA Tournament as a number one seed in the West Region, they are playing in one of the toughest regions in the NCAA bracket as they will ultimately have to face off against the likes of the Texas Longhorns (4), UConn Huskies (3) or the San Diego State Aztecs (2).
With this caliber of competition it is uncertain whether or not Nolan Smith and company can get back to the big game once again, but with Coach K calling the shots on the sidelines and a talented squad leading the way, this Duke Blue Devils will have a legitimate shot of repeating as NCAA champions.
In my opinion, Duke’s biggest challenge could be against the Texas Longhorns (4) or the Tennessee Volunteers (9). The online sportsbook odds should be pretty close on this one. Both of these teams are very talented and have the ability to pull off the upset, but the Longhorns won’t get a chance to face the defending champs until the Sweet Sixteen. The Volunteers on the other hand will have the opportunity to pull off the upset in the third round against the Blue Devils if they can manage to get passed the Michigan Wolverines (8) in the second round.
Second Round: Duke Blue Devils (1) vs. Hampton Pirates (16) Fri. March 18, 2011 3:10 p.m. EST
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