Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Predictions: Duke Blue Devils

It’s the beginning of the basketball season, and the Kansas Jayhawks open the season against the Duke Blue Devils in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York. With no real game experience, it’s hard to say exactly what is going to happen, but our staff gives it their best shot.

dnoll5: I have no idea what to expect in this game, but I’m excited. Sadly, I only saw a few minutes of the two exhibition games, so I don’t even know what the rotation will look like. But here’s what I’d like to see: Devon Dotson with a double double and a controlling presence, Marcus Garrett with stifling defense (and some offensive threats added in), monster Dok dunks, the freshman making noise. Three of those four would be good enough. Kansas 77, Dook 70.

David: I’m a little worried that Self isn’t sure about Isaiah Moss being available. No Moss means more Garrett and Wilson. If Garrett can hit threes like he did in the exhibitions, then fine. But if not, this is not a team that can afford to lose its top three point shooter, given the spacing concerns. I think this one will be a nailbiter, and I’ll pick Duke to just barely pull out the win. Duke 71, Kansas 70

Fizzle406: I missed both exhibition games and I have no idea who plays for Duke. Do they have at least one hateable white kid? There is no way I am picking KU to lose this game. #homer4lyfe Kansas 72, Duke 61

Kyle_Davis21: I have no idea what to expect from Duke on the first game of the year because you never know how a team predominantly led by freshman will react to that stage in their first collegiate game. Matthew Hurt, Cassius Stanley, Vernon Carey, and Wendell Moore are all high recruits, but it doesn’t seem like there’s an RJ or Zion in the group. I’ll take experience to win out in a close game. Kansas 74, Duke 70

Mike.Plank: As many have noted, Duke is talented. But, most of that talent is wrapped up in those five-star freshman recruits who totally haven’t taken any money from a booster. I think Bill Self is pissed that his program is being investigated because of kids who either didn’t go to or didn’t play at KU. That frustration will manifest tonight. Kansas 88, Duke 60.

Andy: Yes, Duke is talented. Tre Jones is a fabulous point guard, and it will be fascinating to watch him and Devon Dotson go back and forth all night long. But Kansas has a stable of experienced guys in the backcourt that can overwhelm defensively, and most are serious deep threats as well. And KU has a huge advantage, literally, down low in Udoka Azubuike. The only question is how Kansas handles the 4 initially. This won’t be a blowout, buti expect the Jayhawks to win fairly comfortably. Kansas 87, Duke 81.