5 Reasons Duke Could Win The National Championship

We are nearing March, which means that while it’s still too early for brackets, we can officially start dreaming about Cinderellas and Final Fours. This year’s Duke team gives Coach Mike Krzyzewski a remarkably balanced blend of talent and perhaps the best player he’s ever had in his 35-year tenure in Durham. In the mix once again, the Blue Devils are hoping to move beyond last season’s shocking and embarrassing round-of-64 exit at the hands of Mercer.

Let’s examine five reasons Duke, currently sitting at 21-3, could cut down the nets come that first Monday night in April.

What the ACC lost in charter school member Maryland’s departure to the Big Ten, it gained in perennial powers Louisville, Notre Dame, Syracuse and Pittsburgh. Fourth-ranked Duke, who always endures a brutal non-conference schedule, has the most impressive resume in America. And that comes with all due respect to undefeated Kentucky. The Blue Devils boast wins over Michigan State, Temple, Stanford, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, St. John’s, Notre Dame and Virginia. While regular season success hardly guarantees tournament success, Coach K’s young squad has a barrage of quality wins over legit contenders. March Madness is all about survive and advance, and that’s what this team has done all year long.

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The Huffington Post