Duke Basketball Report
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ACC Roundup – Wake Falls At Vanderbilt
In Thursday’s ACC slate, Vanderbilt upset Wake Forest 74‑51 at Memorial Gym. Wake’s Kevair Kennedy led with 20 points and 5 rebounds, and Gavin Placide added 10 and 8, but the Deacons shot just 12‑19 overall as Vandy’s defense closed the game late. Elsewhere, Virginia Tech dominated Mercer 96‑67 (Amani Hansberry 23 points), Notre Dame routed Mercyhurst 83‑56, Syracuse blew out Central Connecticut 102‑49, Pitt rallied to beat Buffalo 80‑61, and SMU beat VMI 95‑70. The preview lists Friday’s ACC matchups, including UMass‑Boston College and Virginia‑Northeastern.
Twitter Gold: Caleb Foster 3, Tristan Thompson 0
Duke dominates Coastal Carolina 56‑? as a physical showdown sees sophomore guard Caleb Foster ejected after a second technical. After blocking a drive, Chanticleers forward Tristan Thompson trash‑talks Foster, who points to the 53‑point lead and promptly nails a three‑pointer to push the margin to 56. The incident highlights the game’s intensity and humor, with fans sharing the moment on social media. The article also explains the Chanticleer mascot’s origins.
DBR Podcast #870: Duke Clobbers Coastal Carolina
Duke demolishes Coastal Carolina 113-52 on Nov. 5, 2026, marking the program’s biggest win under Jon Scheyer. Patrick Ngongba II posts a career‑high 21 points, Cayden Boozer records a career‑high in assists, and Sebastian Wilkins grabs a career‑high in rebounds. The DBR Podcast #870 recap highlights game highlights, cleanup points, and the inaugural Player of the Week award, plus a plug for the Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation gala on Nov. 13.
Duke Tsunami Swamps Coastal Carolina By 61
Duke steamrolls Coastal Carolina 113-52 on Nov. 5, 2026, posting the largest victory margin of Jon Scheyer’s tenure (61 points). Patrick Ngongda erupts for a career‑high 28 points while also grabbing nine rebounds; Cayden Boozer dishes out a remarkable 12 assists on just one turnover. The Blue Devils dominate the boards 53‑27, force 15 turnovers and block nine shots, limiting the Chanticleers to 18% from three and 30% overall shooting. Bench scoring shines with Caleb Foster’s 15 points in 17 minutes. Despite a rough, physical start—including several injuries—Duke adjusts, launches a 16‑0 run and secures its second win of the season before facing Michigan State next.
The Big Four Dominate ACC POY Awards
At the ACC media day in Charlotte, Duke continued its dominance in preseason awards, with freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje named Rookie of the Year and the program boasting six of the last nine Player‑of‑the‑Year winners, including four freshmen. However, Virginia’s sophomore Thijs De Ridder earned the coveted preseason POY nod, a feat not achieved by a Cavalier since Malcolm Brogdon in 2016. The article also recaps historic ACC POY winners and highlights Cameron Boozer’s Elite 8 performance for Duke during the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Check Out This Caleb Foster Article In SLAM
SLAM profiles Duke guard Caleb Foster, highlighting his gritty routine of waking at 4:30 a.m. for shooting drills and working at his dad’s landscaping business. The article delves into his family background, drawing parallels to Larry Bird’s upbringing and emphasizing the toughness, resilience, and loyalty instilled by his parents. Duke’s own preview praised Foster as a potential future fan favorite, likening his dedication to Shane Battier’s legacy. The piece offers insight into Foster’s character beyond the court, making it a must‑read for Blue Devils fans.
Duke Football: NC State Preview
Duke (6-2, 3-2) heads to Raleigh on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. EST to face NC State (4-4, 2-3) after a 47‑2 win over Boston College. The Wolfpack, now led by interim coach Todd Goebbel following Dave Doeren’s dismissal, rely on quarterback C.J. Bailey (13 TDs, 63.9% completion) and power‑runner Will Wilson in short‑yardage, while Duke’s defense aims to contain Bailey’s dual‑threat ability. Key injuries include Duke safety Andrew Pellicciotta (probable) and NC State receiver Preston Douglas (questionable). Both teams have strong passing games, with NC State ranking 10th in the ACC for yards per game. The matchup tests Duke’s defensive line against a mobile offense and could hinge on how well the Blue Devils open up the passing game for Nate Sheppard.
ACC Roundup: Cal Slips By Radford
Cal secures an 84-70 win over Radford on Wednesday, propelled by a 30-point outing from Pitt transfer Nojus Indrusaitis, who hit a key three-pointer to push the Bears ahead 65-56 early in the second half. Despite the comfortable margin, the game was close until the eight‑minute mark, and Cal likely expected a larger lead. The roundup also previews Thursday’s slate of six games, highlighting Wake Forest’s chance to break a 16‑year drought at Vanderbilt and offering picks for matchups such as Virginia Tech vs. Mercer and Syracuse vs. Central Connecticut State.
YouTube Gold: Jay Bilas Addresses Duke’s Team
Jay Bilas returns to kick off Duke’s basketball season with a motivational address that opens with JFK’s famous quote and urges players to give their all, warning against future regret. He highlights the lasting impact of teamwork over individual stats and reminds the squad that only their own effort and camaraderie truly matter amid external noise. The full speech is linked for fans who want the complete message.
DBR Podcast 869 – Hoops And Football Weekend Preview
The DBR Podcast preview looks ahead to a busy weekend of Duke basketball and football. On the hardwood, Duke faces Coastal Carolina, led by former Wake Forest star Justin Gray, in what co‑hosts expect to be a tougher test than the recent Army game, with hopes that John Blackwell will step up. On the gridiron, the Wolfpack, fresh off a coaching change and a strong win over Cal, travel to Raleigh to clash with Duke. The episode ends with an eye‑popping analysis of Cameron Boozer’s rapid NBA adjustment, drawing surprising player comparisons.
Duke Women Power Past Green Bay, 76-60
No. 4 Duke women’s basketball opens the season with a 76‑60 victory over Green Bay, leveraging a taller lineup that includes starters Delaney Thomas (6‑3), Emilee Skinner (6‑0), Aaliyah Crump (6‑1), Jadyn Donovan (6‑0) and Riley Nelson (6‑2). After a tight 33‑31 first‑half lead—hampered by the loss of All‑American Toby Fournier to a lower‑leg injury—the Blue Devils explode in the second half, posting a 44‑31 rebounding edge and 19 second‑chance points, highlighted by a 14‑3 third‑quarter run. Duke next faces North Texas before a stretch of five winnable games leading up to a showdown with UConn.
Next Up: Coastal Carolina
Duke hosts Coastal Carolina Thursday night, pitting Coach Jon Scheyer’s talented Blue Devils against Justin Gray’s rising Chanticleers. Gray, a former Wake Forest guard, has transformed Coastal from a 10-22 debut season to a 19-13 finish, emphasizing effort, toughness and a fast‑tempo offense that relies on dribble drives and threes. Their standout is senior Trey Perry, who dropped 20 points in a close loss to Eastern Michigan, while rookie big Caleb Middleton offers limited experience. Duke counters with a deep frontcourt—Pat Ngongba (6‑11), JoJo Boumtje Boumtje (7‑2) and several versatile reserves—as well as improved perimeter play from Dame Sarr, Cayden Boozer and freshman Deron Rippey. While an upset is unlikely, Coastal’s aggressive defense could force early adjustments from Duke.
ACC Roundup – Everyone Looked Good On Tuesday Night
Tuesday’s ACC night showcased dominant openings for four programs. No. 9 Virginia blitzed Drexel 89-60, led by Thijs De Ridder’s 24 points and 9 rebounds as the Cavaliers forced 15 first‑half turnovers. Virginia Tech’s new coach Mike Young watched Jaylen Curry pour in 19 points while Ben Hammond recorded a game‑high seven steals in an 88-54 rout of Coppin State. Georgia Tech, under Scott Cross, emphasized grit and rebounding in a 75-55 win over Hampton, pulling down 19 offensive boards. Boston College celebrated Luke Murray’s debut with a 76-50 victory over Wagner, highlighted by Money Williams’ 22 points and a near‑4,000‑fan crowd. The results set an upbeat tone for the ACC’s start to the 2026‑27 season.
YouTube Gold: The Greatest Players Of The ABA
The Duke Basketball Report revisits the ABA's brief but vibrant era (1967‑1976), highlighting its iconic stars. While Julius Erving remains the league’s face, the article spotlights legends like David Thompson, Spencer Haywood, Rick Barry, Connie Hawkins, Dan Issel, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, Louie Dampier, Charlie Scott, and Mel Daniels. It notes the ABA’s chaotic management, its 1976 merger with the NBA, and its lasting impact on modern basketball. A linked video showcases these standout players.
DBR Podcast #868: Duke Evicts Army From Cameron Quarters
In Episode 868 of the Duke Basketball Report, hosts break down Duke’s season‑opening 84‑50 victory over Army at Cameron Indoor Stadium. A 12‑0 opening run set the pace, and forward Dame Sarr’s early dunk highlighted a dominant defensive performance. The podcast highlights standout players, key plays that earned "Play of the Game," and areas for improvement before Duke faces Coastal Carolina in two days. It also promotes the Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation gala on Nov 13, where a live auction offers a 15‑minute guest segment on the show to support colorectal cancer research. Listeners are encouraged to follow the show on social platforms and use affiliate links for discounts.
Turnovers Are Not Always What You Think
The Duke Basketball Report explores why turnovers aren’t always a negative, highlighting ACC players who turn the ball over more often than they assist. The piece cites Len Bias’s 1986 season (89 turnovers, 33 assists) as a historic example and examines this year’s top scorers Malik Reneau (Miami, 99 turnovers, 72 assists, 18.9 ppg) and Thijs De Ridder (Virginia, 15.6 ppg). It notes that Boston College, Georgia Tech and Syracuse, which each had several turnover‑prone regulars, have new coaching staffs, while Duke, Virginia and UNC boast zero players with a turnover‑assist deficit and rank among the league’s best in ball security. The article uses stats tables to compare turnover‑heavy players across the ACC.
ACC Roundup: Let The Games Begin
Monday’s ACC slate sees #14 Miami fall to top‑seed Florida 77-67, while Syracuse opens coach Gerry McNamara’s tenure with a 74-58 win over New Haven, highlighted by Gavin Doty’s 14 points and 13 rebounds. Louisville cruises past Chattanooga 84-70, and NC State, under first‑time head coach Justin Gainey, dominates Campbell 83-64. Clemson beats Stetson 85-72, Wake Forest tops Maryland Eastern Shore 83-62, and Pitt overwhelms Rider 95-57. The roundup also notes UNC’s 80-72 win over Western Carolina and upcoming ACC matchups for Tuesday night.
Twitter Gold: “Rippey OMG”
Freshman Deron Rippey electrified Duke’s game against Army on Nov. 2, 2026 with a jaw‑dropping dunk after chasing down a missed shot. The 6‑3 rookie, who earlier shot 9‑12 versus Tennessee, showcased raw athleticism that left Army’s Drew Timmons and Tate Laczkowski visibly stunned. The play, highlighted in a viral video shared by Duke Men’s Basketball, underscores Rippey’s emerging elite talent at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Duke Shells Army In Cameron By 34
Duke opens the season with a dominant 84-50 win over Army at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Nov. 2, 2026. The Blue Devils limit the Black Knights to 35% shooting (18‑52) and 27% from the line, force 24 turnovers and record 16 steals. Duke controls the paint (50‑20) and rebounds (37‑25), with Dame Sarr scoring 16 (perfect 6‑6 from the free‑throw line) and Patrick Ngongba adding 10 points and seven rebounds. Despite a cold start from three‑point range (4‑22) and modest offensive flow, the defense shines and new contributors like debutant Drew Scharnowski (4 points, 2 rebounds) show promise. The win reaffirms Duke’s defensive strength while the offense finds its rhythm.
Next Up: Army
Duke (No. 2) opens its season at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Monday against the Army Black Knights, a matchup steeped in respect thanks to former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s West Point roots. Army, coming off an 11‑21 season, is led by senior guard Ryan Curry (13.3 ppg, 4.5 ap) and coached by Kevin Kuwik, who brings a résumé that includes stints with Tim O’Shea, Brad Stevens and others. While Duke boasts a clear advantage in size and talent—players like Pat Ngongba, JoJo Boumtje Boumtje and Drew Scharnowski—West Point’s continuity and discipline could spark an upset. The preview highlights key Army contributors and notes the significance of the historic, albeit rarely played, rivalry.
ACC Roundup: Notre Dame Wins In Rome
Notre Dame upset Villanova 74‑70 in a thrilling extra‑season game in Rome on Oct. 31, 2026. The Irish rallied from a double‑digit deficit, forced 14 steals and held their lead after senior guard Braeden Shrewsberry missed a late free throw. The win came amid a Vatican‑styled opening night that featured Pope Leo XIV receiving a basketball from the delegations. The article also previews Monday’s #14 Miami vs. #1 Florida showdown and lists a slate of early‑season ACC matchups.
Twitter Gold: The Legend Of Spud
The Duke Basketball Report revisits Spud Webb’s legendary rise, spotlighting his jaw‑dropping 47‑inch vertical and rookie‑year NBA Dunk Contest win. While many in North Carolina’s Triangle knew of his small‑stature (5‑7) shock factor, the article reminds readers that Webb joins a rare group of undersized stars like Earl Boykins and Mugggy Bogues. It also nods to historic figures such as Wat Misaka, linking past trailblazers to Webb’s impact. A vintage 1994 photo of Webb driving to the basket against the Phoenix Suns and a recent fan‑curated tweet reinforce why his quickness and showmanship still captivate fans.
DBR Podcast #867 – BC Beatdown And Army Preview
In DBR Podcast #867, Jason and Donald break down Duke’s season opener against Army, a rematch of last year’s 114‑point blowout. They spotlight Head Coach Jon Scheyer’s rotating lineups and discuss whether Duke can repeat the offensive fireworks while eyeing another ACC title run. The episode also recaps a recent Boston College football game featuring a record performance by Nate Train and a stout Duke defense. Listeners are informed about a charity auction for the Wunderglow Gala and a 30%‑plus‑15% discount at Slam Magazine’s online shop.
Boozer And Memphis Grizzlies Move To 6-0
Rookie Cameron BooGrizzlies spark a historic start as Memphis posts a 6-0 record, the only unbeaten NBA team after a 136-105 win over Sacramento. Boozer, now the second‑youngest player to log a triple‑double, tallied 27 points, nine rebounds and three assists in just his fifth game, despite seven turnovers. Analysts on CBS’s Eye on College Basketball dub his impact the “Boozer Effect,” noting the Grizzlies’ success hinges on his play amid a roster of journeymen and injury‑limited stars. The win matches the franchise’s best opening stretch.
Data Is King. Does Duke Have Alexander the Great?
Duke basketball’s newest edge comes from data‑driven decisions and a bold front office. Coach Jon Scheyer, the first college coach to hire a GM, leans on analytics to tweak tactics, from shot‑selection quirks to foul impact on big men. His latest hire, former D‑III standout Alexander Powell, is highlighted as a key asset, while GM Rachel Baker and a three‑game Amazon Prime streaming deal signal Duke’s modern approach. The article argues that Duke’s embrace of analytics could be the program’s next competitive advantage.
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