Duke basketball has emerged victorious from a challenging two-week stretch that included four games against ranked opponents. With their win against previously-unbeaten Auburn (7-1), the ninth-ranked Blue Devils (6-2) have shown their mettle. This nonconference slate could prove to be one of the toughest for the Blue Devils until March Madness. Let's take a closer look at what we've learned about Duke during this period.

Duke Basketball's Tough Tests and Lessons

Cooper Flagg: A Rising Star for Duke

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has exceeded expectations. At just 17 years old, he has played his best against the best teams. In Duke's four games against ranked opponents, he averaged an impressive 21.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals. After some turnover issues in previous games, Flagg showed great composure against Auburn, not committing a single turnover. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a special season for him and the Blue Devils.His ability to perform under pressure and make an impact on both ends of the court is a key factor in Duke's success. Flagg's scoring and rebounding skills, combined with his defensive prowess, make him a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to become one of the greatest players in Duke history.

Maliq Brown and Sion James: The Unsung Heroes

Duke coach Jon Scheyer made it a priority to find tough competitors in the offseason, and he found them in Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown and Tulane transfer Sion James. Both players have proven their mettle in Duke's biggest games.In games against Auburn and Kansas, James averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, showcasing his defensive prowess. Brown, although his stats may not jump off the page, is among the nation's leaders in deflections. He combined for eight steals in games against Kentucky, Kansas, and Arizona. Brown's toughness and defensive versatility allow Duke to maximize its effectiveness with different lineups. Their contributions have been crucial in keeping Duke at the top of the rankings.

Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans: The 3-Point Shooters

Freshmen Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans have shown their ability to heat up from 3-point range. Knueppel is the team's second-leading scorer with 12.5 points per game and second to Flagg in assists per game with 3.3. He had a solid performance at Arizona, knocking down 3-of-6 shots from long range. However, he struggled in games against Kentucky, Kansas, and Auburn, going a combined 1-for-17 on 3-point attempts. Duke will need him to make more 3s against big-time opponents as his all-around game is crucial to the team's success.Isaiah Evans, on the other hand, has shown his microwave scoring ability. After sitting on the bench for previous games, he knocked down six 3-pointers in a 10-minute stretch against Auburn. His improved competitiveness on the glass and defensively should give him more opportunities moving forward.

Tyrese Proctor: The Veteran Guard

Junior guard Tyrese Proctor has the most experience with the Blue Devils and has shown it throughout the early part of the season. In games against ranked opponents, he averaged 11.8 points on 45% shooting from 3-point range. The Aussie has knocked down multiple treys in each of Duke's eight games, including a career-best five 3-pointers against Kansas. He has also remained one of Duke's top on-ball defenders. Proctor's growth was on full display in the latter stages of the win against Auburn as he knocked down two tough buckets to keep the Tigers at bay. His leadership and consistency have been invaluable to the team.