The objective is to be ranked at the end of the NCAAs in April, but Duke men’s basketball is finally ranked in the AP poll on Week 19 (3/10/25). Auburn’s long-held championship was lost twice this week…

The Road to March Madness: Duke Men’s Basketball Breaks Into the AP Poll as Auburn’s Championship Hopes Are Shaken

The college basketball season is reaching its climax, and with March Madness on the horizon, teams are jostling for position as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Week 19 of the AP Poll (dated March 10, 2025) marks a pivotal moment in the season, as Duke Men’s Basketball finally made its return to the AP rankings after a strong stretch of performances, earning a spot among the nation’s elite teams. The Blue Devils are not only looking to build on their recent momentum but also to solidify their place as one of the favorites heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Meanwhile, the road to the top has not been smooth for Auburn, which had long been holding onto a championship-caliber status throughout the season. The Tigers, who were once considered a dominant force in college basketball, faced a significant setback as they lost twice in the span of a week, leaving their long-held championship aspirations in question.

This week, as Duke resurges and Auburn falters, the narrative surrounding the two programs has dramatically shifted. In this analysis, we’ll take a look at Duke’s rise into the rankings, the struggles that have plagued Auburn’s championship hopes, and how the final stretch of the season will affect both programs as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

Duke’s Resurgence: A Program Back in Contention

Duke Men’s Basketball has been quietly building momentum over the past few weeks, culminating in their return to the AP Poll. After enduring a rocky start to the season, the Blue Devils have steadily climbed back into national prominence thanks to key players stepping up, strong coaching from Jon Scheyer, and a more cohesive team dynamic. As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Blue Devils are primed for a deep run in March Madness.

The development of players like Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, and Mark Mitchell has been essential in Duke’s resurgence. Filipowski, in particular, has become one of the most dominant forwards in the country, showcasing his ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. Proctor, as the floor general, has orchestrated the offense with poise and maturity, while Mitchell’s defensive prowess has allowed Duke to remain one of the toughest teams to score against in the nation.

Coach Jon Scheyer, in his second season as the head coach, has proven that his transition from assistant coach to the helm of one of the premier programs in college basketball has been seamless. He has instilled a culture of defense-first mentality, balanced with efficient offense. While Duke has been known for its powerful offense in years past, Scheyer has emphasized team defense as a key to success, and it’s paying off.

Despite the challenges early in the season, including a few losses that seemed to derail their momentum, Duke’s combination of young talent and experienced players has led to the team peaking at the right time. The Blue Devils’ rise in the AP Poll is a testament to their resilience and growth under Scheyer’s leadership.

Duke’s Key Performers: A Balanced Attack

While the team’s defense has been a standout aspect of their success, Duke’s offense has evolved as well. At the heart of the offense is Kyle Filipowski, whose scoring, rebounding, and leadership have made him a frontrunner for ACC Player of the Year honors. Filipowski’s versatility allows him to stretch the floor and attack in multiple ways. Whether he’s posting up in the paint, hitting mid-range jumpers, or finding open teammates, Filipowski has consistently delivered for Duke.

Another key player for Duke is Tyrese Proctor, the dynamic point guard who has become a steadying force on the floor. Proctor is an elite playmaker, often orchestrating the offense with precision and flair. His court vision, combined with his ability to score, makes him one of the top guards in the country.

Mark Mitchell’s defensive abilities have been crucial for Duke in shutting down opposing offenses. His size and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, and his presence in the paint has been key to Duke’s success. On the offensive end, Mitchell has developed into a capable scorer, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the Blue Devils’ attack.

Lastly, Dariq Whitehead, another talented freshman, has emerged as a major scoring threat. Whitehead’s ability to hit from beyond the arc, finish at the rim, and contribute defensively has made him a vital piece for Duke’s offense. His development throughout the season has been critical to Duke’s rise in the rankings.

As the Blue Devils continue to evolve, their balance between defense and offense will make them one of the most dangerous teams in March Madness. With their combination of experience, talent, and a growing sense of chemistry, Duke is primed to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Auburn’s Setback: Two Losses Shake Championship Hopes

While Duke has been on the rise, Auburn’s story has taken an unexpected turn. Once considered a top contender for the national championship, the Tigers suffered two significant losses in a single week, casting doubt on their title hopes and forcing many to reassess their position in the college basketball hierarchy.

Auburn’s losses—both at home—were shocking, especially considering the team’s dominance earlier in the season. The first loss came against a Kentucky team that had been struggling throughout the year but managed to turn in a well-executed performance to knock off the Tigers. The second defeat was even more surprising, as Auburn lost to a Tennessee squad that was considered a lower-ranked team in the SEC. These back-to-back defeats have left the Tigers reeling and searching for answers.

While Bruce Pearl and his staff are renowned for their ability to make adjustments and motivate their players, these losses have exposed some vulnerabilities in Auburn’s game. Their offense, once one of the most explosive in the country, has sputtered at times, and their defense has looked suspect in key moments. Auburn’s backcourt, led by standout guard Wendell Green Jr., has also been inconsistent, especially in closing out tight games.

Despite these challenges, Auburn still has a talented roster, and there’s no doubt they have the potential to regroup and find their form heading into the NCAA Tournament. But after these defeats, the Tigers will have to prove that they can handle the pressure and overcome the mental and physical hurdles that have plagued them this season.

The Countdown to March Madness: What’s Next for Both Teams?

With both Duke and Auburn now on different trajectories, the final stretch of the regular season will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for March Madness. For Duke, the No. 1 ranking and their return to the AP Poll should provide a confidence boost heading into the tournament. However, the Blue Devils cannot afford to become complacent. As we’ve seen in past tournaments, the teams that perform best in March are those that have developed a championship mindset and the ability to execute under pressure.

Duke’s players will need to continue to improve their consistency and chemistry, especially as they face more challenging matchups in the tournament. They will also need to avoid the pitfalls of previous seasons when Duke’s overreliance on star power led to early exits. If the Blue Devils can maintain their defensive intensity and play as a team, they will be a tough out for anyone.

As for Auburn, the Tigers have a lot of work to do if they want to regain their championship-caliber status. The coaching staff will need to address the issues that led to the team’s recent slide, particularly their offensive struggles and defensive lapses. Auburn’s players will need to rediscover the form that made them a top contender earlier in the season and prove that they can handle the pressure of high-stakes games.

The SEC Tournament will serve as a final tune-up for both teams, giving them a chance to fine-tune their game before the NCAA Tournament. Auburn will need to show that they can bounce back from adversity, while Duke will aim to continue their momentum and strengthen their case as one of the favorites in the tournament.