Duke Breaks Into Dick Vitale’s “Dazzling Dozen” — And This Blue Devil Team Looks Built for a Deep March Run
Durham, N.C. — If you haven’t been paying attention to Duke basketball, it’s time to tune in.
College hoops legend Dick Vitale has released his annual “Dazzling Dozen” rankings for the 2025–26 season — and the Blue Devils have landed at No. 9, squarely in the conversation among the sport’s elite.
But this isn’t just about history or name recognition. This Duke squad has real substance — star talent, savvy transfer additions, and a balanced roster that’s built to contend when the stakes are highest.
“Duke’s got all the ingredients, baby!” Vitale declared. “If they come together and stay healthy, Jon Scheyer’s bunch could be something special!”
Blue Devils Ranked No. 9 in Vitale’s Summer Poll
Sitting just behind Arkansas (No. 8) and ahead of UCLA (No. 10), Duke’s placement in the top 10 underscores growing national confidence in the roster Scheyer has assembled.
This isn’t blind loyalty to a blue blood. Vitale’s ranking signals genuine belief that the Blue Devils have retooled in a big way and are poised to make serious noise.
Here’s how Vitale’s full “Dazzling Dozen” ranks:
- Purdue
- Houston
- Florida
- UConn
- St. John’s
- Texas Tech
- BYU
- Arkansas
- Duke
- UCLA
- Kentucky
- Michigan
Why the Buzz Around Duke Is Legit
Though Duke lost some key pieces to the NBA Draft, what they’ve brought in — and what they’ve retained — might be even more impressive.
- Elite transfers? Check.
- Experienced returners? Absolutely.
- NBA-level prospects? Several.
- Depth, length, and versatility? All over the court.
Headlining the group is 5-star international forward Khaman Maluach, a projected lottery pick. But what gives this team real edge is the addition of seasoned portal players who bring toughness, defense, and maturity — things Duke has lacked in recent years.
Look for veterans like RJ Melendez (Illinois) and Elmarko Jackson (Kansas) to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
Consensus Contender Status Across the Board
Vitale’s high praise isn’t an outlier. Multiple major outlets have placed Duke in their early top 10s:
- ESPN (No. 8): “Scheyer’s most complete roster yet.”
- The Athletic (No. 7): “A dangerous blend of youth, experience, and length.”
- CBS Sports (No. 10): “Defense could carry them far — if they stay healthy.”
- Sports Illustrated (No. 8): “Scheyer’s biggest roster upgrade to date.”
The Key Ingredients? Depth, Grit, and Maturity
Duke has long leaned on raw talent and freshman flash. But this year’s group is different — it’s built for the grind of March.
With legitimate rim protection, strong perimeter defense, physicality in the paint, and experienced backcourt leadership, this team has all the makings of a championship threat.
Jon Scheyer, now with a few seasons under his belt, has clearly learned from past postseason exits. The roster construction feels intentional. The balance is there. And the hunger? Real.
The Road to March Starts Now
Landing in the “Dazzling Dozen” is more than a summer accolade — it’s a signal that Duke is gearing up for something big.
The Blue Devils aren’t just aiming to dominate the ACC. Their sights are set on San Antonio and the Final Four.
If Vitale’s instincts are on point?
Duke fans may want to start planning that April trip now.
“They’ve got size, skill, leadership — the whole package, baby!” Vitale raved.
Buckle up, Blue Devil Nation. The journey to glory is already underway.
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