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Duke Soars, UNC Stumbles in 2027 Projections
9 May
Summary
- Duke is a projected No. 1 seed for the 2027 NCAA Tournament.
- UNC is projected as a No. 9 seed following significant roster turnover.
- Michael Malone takes over as UNC's head coach after a successful NBA stint.
The Duke basketball program is entering the 2026-27 season with high expectations, projected as a No. 1 seed in the 2027 NCAA Tournament. Head coach Jon Scheyer has successfully rebuilt the roster by retaining key scorers, adding impactful transfers, and securing the nation's top recruiting class. This depth positions Duke as a major national title contender.
Conversely, North Carolina is undergoing a significant transformation. Following a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit, the program parted ways with head coach Hubert Davis and hired former NBA champion Michael Malone. The Tar Heels experienced substantial roster turnover, losing eight of their top ten scorers. Despite new transfers, UNC is projected as a No. 9 seed, indicating a challenging season ahead.
