DUKE RISING: Blue Devils Set to Climb AP Rankings as College Basketball’s Power Order Shifts After Opening Week Chaos…Read More….

DUKE RISING: Blue Devils Set to Climb AP Rankings as College Basketball’s Power Order Shifts After Opening Week Chaos…Read More….

The first week of the college basketball season is in the books, and if there’s one thing the opening stretch made clear, it’s this: Duke Basketball is rising fast, and the rest of the sport is already feeling the shake. Amid an opening week filled with upsets, near-disasters, and unexpected stars emerging across the country, the Blue Devils delivered something rare in November—consistency, composure, and an identity that already looks postseason-ready.

While several top-10 programs struggled to find their footing, Duke came out of the gates sharp, disciplined, and explosive, showcasing a blend of veteran poise and electric young talent that is quickly becoming the national storyline. With the AP Poll set for its first major adjustment, the Blue Devils are positioned to take a substantial leap—possibly becoming one of the biggest risers of the early season.

What separates Duke right now isn’t just their record but the manner in which they’re winning. The Blue Devils have displayed suffocating defensive rotations, improved physicality in the paint, and a polished half-court offense rarely seen this early under Jon Scheyer’s tenure. The unit is playing fast, defending with purpose, and showing the kind of offensive versatility that gives them multiple ways to beat high-level opponents.

One of the week’s clearest takeaways: Duke’s freshmen are ahead of schedule, and the returners look transformed. The young Blue Devils showed fearlessness on both ends, attacking closeouts, running the floor, and flashing the kind of two-way potential that will give Scheyer flexibility all season. Meanwhile, the veteran core has embraced leadership roles, anchoring the defense and providing stability during momentum swings.

Across the nation, chaos opened the door for Duke’s surge. Several preseason favorites struggled—some falling in surprising upsets, others revealing early cracks in chemistry and defensive discipline. In contrast, Duke’s execution looked polished and prepared, signaling a team that entered the season with greater clarity than many of its peers. In a week where uncertainty reigned, the Blue Devils looked certain about who they are.

Even more encouraging for Duke is the balance emerging within the rotation. Scheyer’s group has shown depth at every position, with the bench providing steady scoring, strong rebounding, and minimal drop-off on defense. That depth is especially critical as the season ramps up and the schedule intensifies.

If opening week was a test of readiness, Duke passed with authority.

With conference challengers still searching for answers and national contenders scrambling to adjust, the Blue Devils find themselves in an ideal position—not just to climb the rankings, but to seize early control of the national conversation. The AP voters took notice in week one. Week two is where the real shift begins.

Duke isn’t just rising. They’re emerging as one of the nation’s most complete teams, and if their trajectory continues, the rest of college basketball may soon be chasing them.

The Blue Devils are coming—and after week one’s chaos, the path upward has never been clearer.