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Duke basketball fans might want to brace themselves-because if history repeats itself, the Blue Devils could be heading for a devastating Sweet 16 exit. Analyst Jon Fanta, who has closely followed Duke's dominant run this season, was left rattled when a shocking prediction surfaced during The Field of 68: After Dark podcast.
The compared Duke's season to past powerhouse teams like 2011 Ohio State, 2022 Arizona, and 2023 Houston-all of which suffered crushing Sweet 16 eliminations. If this trend continues, Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils could be in for a historic upset despite being ranked the second-best team in the nation.
Fanta was visibly shaken by the revelation, comparing it to the shock of WWE's Undertaker making an unexpected return. However, Mike LaTulip took a different stance, arguing that Duke's lack of games against ranked opponents doesn't justify the skepticism.
The dilemma of ranked teams
"They don't play a ton of ranked teams in the ACC," LaTulip pointed out, referencing the fact that Duke's last matchup against a ranked opponent was in early December against Auburn.
With only four ranked matchups all season and a 2-2 record in those games, some critics believe Duke's resume isn't as strong as it seems. But does that mean they're doomed in the Sweet 16?
Randolph Childress doesn't think so. He argues that this year's Duke squad is vastly different from the 2011 team that fell short. "I don't see that happening," he said, emphasizing that Jon Scheyer's team boasts one of the best defenses in the country, allowing just 61 points per game.
Things have changed in 14 years
Unlike the 2011 Duke team that relied on a still-recovering Kyrie Irving, the current Blue Devils have a defensive identity that could carry them deep into March.
With March Madness looming, the question remains-will this prediction come true, or will Cooper Flagg and company silence the doubters and chase their championship dreams?