Duke University is stepping into the NCAA tournament as a strong favorite, looking like the overall No. 1 seed in their region. The team is set to face relatively weak competition, especially with second-seeded Alabama potentially missing star forward Grant Nelson due to a knee injury. This situation gives Duke a significant advantage as they aim for a deep run in the tournament.
In the East region, Duke’s path seems clear. They have already secured a win against No. 4 Arizona and are not expected to face much resistance from the No. 8 Mississippi State and No. 9 Baylor matchup, which is unlikely to pose a serious threat. Third-seeded Wisconsin has defensive struggles that could hinder their progress, further clearing the way for Duke.
While Duke is a powerhouse, there are other teams in the East that could surprise. Sixth-seeded BYU has been impressive lately, defeating notable teams like Iowa State and Kansas. They are considered a potential sleeper pick. Additionally, seventh-seed Saint Mary’s, the West Coast Conference regular-season champion, could also make some noise in the tournament.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Duke and their star player, Cooper Flagg. The excitement is building, and fans are eager to see if anyone can challenge Duke’s dominance in the East.