If you’re a fan of college basketball, then you know the Duke-Clemson rivalry is one of the most popular in the country. With the two schools going head-to-head again this season, it’s essential to look ahead and get a feel for what’s in store. Here are a few of the top stories and stats that you’ll want to keep an eye out for in the coming weeks.
Clemson vs. Duke rivalry
Carolina and Duke are two of the country’s elite men’s basketball programs. They have played at least twice a year since 1920. Since 1953, they have combined to win 38 tournament titles.
Both programs play in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In the past, they have split their regular season meetings. However, they met in the ACC tournament semifinals and championship in Brooklyn and Atlanta, and the final game alternates between Chapel Hill and Durham.
The rivalry is as storied as its namesake. Both teams have won at least six national championships and appeared in at least twenty Final Fours. There is no doubt that the yearly rivalry is one of the most important in the country.
1998-99 season
The Duke basketball 1998-99 season was a memorable one. After a 12-0 start, the Blue Devils went on to win 15 of their next 18 games and then won the NCAA tournament. They faced UConn in the national championship game.
Duke had several impressive blowout wins. They won every game by at least 10 points. Their first three losses were by a combined five points. But they won their last nine to make it to the Sweet 16.
There were several top recruits on the Duke team that year. Shane Battier, Elton Brand, and Corey Maggette all went on to play in the NBA. Other notable players included Christian Laettner and Jon Scheyer.
The Blue Devils entered the ACC tournament with a 25-4 record. In the semifinals, they lost to Notre Dame. And in the championship, they failed to Maryland in overtime.
2001-02 season
Duke basketball had a very successful 2001-02 season. They went 18-13 and made the NCAA tournament. In addition, they had five future NBA players on their roster.
The team began the season with a 12-0 record. Their first loss of the season was against Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational. After the defeat, they won 15 of their next 18 games.
The Blue Devils finished the regular season ranked #1 in the AP poll and earned a top seed for the NCAA tournament. They beat Michigan State in the Elite Eight before losing to UConn in the Final Four.
This was the fourth national title in 20 years for the Blue Devils. Their first title came in 1991. During that time, Duke had 11 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament.
2007-08 season
Coach Mike Krzyzewski led the 2007-08 Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team. Their 28-6 record was impressive enough to finish inside the top ten of the Ferris Mowers Coaches’ Poll. As a result, they made the second round of the NCAA tournament. But they ultimately fell to Kentucky in the Elite Eight.
During the season, Duke had a lot of success on both ends of the floor. The Blue Devils finished in the top 10 in the ACC and were a contender for the national title. However, the team was also plagued by three consecutive three-game losing streaks.
One of the biggest questions facing Coach K is how to make the interior play of his team work. He will need to develop his young players to be more effective on the defensive end. Meanwhile, he must make sure his players learn to be more versatile in the offense.
2021-22 season
Duke Basketball is one of the best college basketball teams in the country. They are also the top-ranked team in the ACC. They should be a legitimate National Championship contender with all of their pieces.
The Blue Devils have some key players returning from last season. Among them is Mark Williams, who has stepped up as the team’s most consistent defensive player. He averages 3.0 blocks per game.
Trevor Keels is another big-time talent on the wing. He is 6’5″ and has excellent athleticism. His size, speed, and ability to play in transition make him a candidate for the 2022 NBA Draft.
Another player to watch in 2022 is Jeremy Roach, a five-star recruit. He is a former Virginia high school teammate of Keach. If he can improve his 3-point shooting, he could become an essential part of the rotation in 2022-23.
