Duke Basketball Now in Position to Potentially Leapfrog Auburn

As the 2025 college basketball season heads into the final stretch, the race for top-tier postseason positioning in the NCAA Tournament is intensifying. Among the teams vying for high seeds are the Auburn Tigers and the Duke Blue Devils—two programs with storied histories, passionate fanbases, and championship aspirations. However, in recent weeks, Duke has emerged as a team to watch, and with some strong performances, they are now in a position to potentially leapfrog Auburn in the rankings. This shift in momentum is particularly significant as both teams look to make a deep run in March Madness.

Duke, once a program that seemed to be struggling at the beginning of the season, has turned things around in dramatic fashion. On the other hand, Auburn, which has spent much of the season near the top of the rankings, has faced some tough challenges, leaving their position somewhat vulnerable. As the Blue Devils continue to surge, the possibility of them overtaking the Tigers for a higher seed, or even a better spot in the national rankings, is becoming a very real possibility.

In this article, we will break down how Duke has transformed from a team with question marks into a potential juggernaut, and examine the factors that have contributed to their rise. We will also analyze Auburn’s current situation and discuss what challenges they must overcome to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the nation.

Duke’s Resurgence: Turning the Corner

At the beginning of the 2025 season, Duke had its fair share of question marks. The Blue Devils, under head coach Jon Scheyer, entered the year with high expectations but also a sense of uncertainty. Duke had to replace several key players from last season, including some of their best shooters and playmakers. While Duke always recruits top talent, chemistry and consistency were issues that would take time to develop. However, in recent weeks, the Blue Devils have proven they are more than capable of competing with the best in the country.

Key Factors in Duke’s Resurgence

1. Improved Guard Play: One of the most significant factors in Duke’s turnaround has been the improvement in their guard play. Guards are often the engine that drives a team’s offense, and Duke has seen its backcourt step up in a big way. Freshman guard Jalen Evans has been an absolute revelation, displaying incredible scoring ability, leadership, and maturity for a freshman. Evans has become Duke’s go-to player in clutch moments, and his ability to run the offense has helped to unlock the potential of the Blue Devils’ entire roster.

   Alongside Evans, veteran guard Tyrese Proctor has also found his rhythm. Proctor, who entered the season with questions surrounding his consistency, has shown tremendous growth, especially with his ability to create shots and facilitate. His passing has become a key part of Duke’s offensive flow, and his leadership on the court has helped stabilize the Blue Devils in pressure situations.

2. Frontcourt Depth and Versatility: Duke’s frontcourt, traditionally a strength, has also been firing on all cylinders. Sophomore Kyle Filipowski, one of the most talented big men in the country, has continued to improve his game this season. His versatility—being able to stretch the floor with his outside shooting while also being a dominant force inside—has given Duke a balanced offensive attack. Filipowski is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and has been crucial in both scoring and rebounding.

   Another player who has emerged in the frontcourt is Mark Mitchell. Mitchell has been a steady contributor on both ends of the floor, providing Duke with toughness and a defensive presence that has made the Blue Devils more difficult to score against. With both Filipowski and Mitchell in the lineup, Duke is able to throw multiple defensive schemes at opposing offenses, while still maintaining an offensive presence that can score in various ways.

3. Defensive Improvements: Duke has long been known for its defensive intensity, and this season is no different. The Blue Devils’ defense has been stifling, particularly in their recent surge. They are able to pressure opponents full-court, disrupt passing lanes, and create turnovers. Duke’s ability to get stops, particularly in high-stakes situations, has allowed their offense to thrive in transition, adding an exciting up-tempo aspect to their game.

   Under Coach Scheyer’s system, Duke has developed a more aggressive defensive identity. The Blue Devils are ranked among the best in the nation in points allowed per game, and their defensive prowess has been a key to their recent success. With strong defenders like Dariq Whitehead and Jacob Grandison, Duke has the tools to shut down opposing offenses and dictate the tempo of the game.

4. 
5. Momentum and Confidence: One of the biggest intangibles in Duke’s resurgence has been their newfound confidence. After a series of early-season losses, including a tough defeat to a rival, Duke has shown resilience, bouncing back with strong performances. The Blue Devils now believe in their ability to compete with—and beat—the top teams in the nation. This growing confidence, especially in tight games, has allowed Duke to perform in clutch situations, leading to big wins over ranked opponents and tough road victories.

Auburn’s Position and Challenges

While Duke’s resurgence has been impressive, Auburn’s position at the top of the rankings is equally significant. The Tigers, who were once considered one of the top teams in the nation, are now in a situation where they must prove they can maintain their spot. While Auburn has been solid all year, a few recent challenges have left their position in jeopardy.

The Strengths of Auburn’s Game:

1. Offensive Firepower: Auburn’s offense has been one of the most potent in college basketball this season. The Tigers are led by a dynamic backcourt and a group of versatile forwards who can stretch the floor and contribute in multiple ways. Auburn has been known for its up-tempo style, and this year has been no different, as they rank among the top teams in scoring.

   Jabari Smith, who was drafted into the NBA after last season, left a hole in Auburn’s lineup, but the Tigers have had players step up. Wendell Green Jr. has taken over as the primary playmaker for the team, and his ability to both score and distribute has kept Auburn’s offense humming. Alongside Green, Zep Jasper has been a solid two-way player, offering both scoring and defense.

2. Defensive Versatility: Similar to Duke, Auburn’s defense has been a key factor in their success. Under Coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn has built a reputation for its aggressive, full-court press defense. The Tigers force turnovers and turn them into fast-break points, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the country. The Tigers are ranked in the top five nationally in steals and turnover margin, an important aspect of their defense-first mentality.
3. Depth and Balance: One of Auburn’s advantages over many teams is its depth. They are able to rotate multiple players in and out, keeping their energy high while maintaining a high level of performance. This depth allows Auburn to withstand adversity in games, as they don’t rely on any single player for the bulk of their production.

Challenges Facing Auburn:

1. Inconsistent Performances in Key Games: Despite their strong start, Auburn has struggled to maintain consistency in certain games. Against some of the tougher SEC competition, Auburn has had lapses in focus or execution, particularly late in games. This inconsistency has cost them valuable opportunities to secure big wins and strengthen their position in the rankings.
2. The Pressure of Being Ranked: As the Tigers are now one of the top-ranked teams in the country, they will face an added pressure of performing every night. Auburn must prove that they can handle the weight of expectations and deliver under the spotlight. The mental aspect of the game is important, and Auburn needs to stay locked in if they want to fend off challenges from teams like Duke.
3. Closing Games: Another area that Auburn must address is closing out games. While they are capable of scoring in bunches, there have been times when they’ve struggled to maintain a lead in the final moments of close contests. Being able to execute in crunch time is essential for any team hoping to succeed in the NCAA Tournament, and this is an area that Auburn must continue to work on as the season progresses.

Auburn vs. Duke: The Race for Position

As Duke continues to surge, they are beginning to gain ground on Auburn in the rankings. With Auburn’s recent struggles, it is conceivable that Duke could leapfrog them for a higher spot in the rankings, especially if the Blue Devils continue their impressive run.

For Auburn, maintaining their position will require solidifying their defense, staying consistent offensively, and improving in crunch-time situations. For Duke, continuing their momentum and building confidence will be key to ensuring they keep climbing the rankings. The upcoming matchup between the two teams, should they meet in the postseason, could be one of the most highly anticipated games in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

In conclusion, Duke’s recent resurgence has put them in a position to potentially leapfrog Auburn in the rankings. While Auburn remains a strong team, they must overcome their recent struggles and prove they can maintain their position as one of the top teams in the country. Duke, on the other hand, has shown that they are hitting their stride at just the right time, and if they continue their upward trajectory, they will be a force to reckon with as March Madness approaches. The race between these two teams could come down to the wire, with both programs looking to position themselves for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.