ESPN’s Andraya Carter expressed a strong belief that Bruce Pearl’s Auburn basketball team is superior to Duke this season. During Saturday’s edition of ESPN’s College GameDay, ahead of Auburn’s win over Georgia and Duke’s victory over Boston College, Carter emphasized Auburn’s depth and team-oriented play as key advantages over Duke’s reliance on Cooper Flagg.
“I love this Duke team and their offensive system, but everything revolves around Cooper Flagg,” Carter noted, according to Saturday Down South. “They have incredible talent, but Flagg is the centerpiece who creates for everyone. More often than not, they depend entirely on him.”
Carter added that while Duke doesn’t rely on a ball-dominant guard, this strategy has potential downsides, including vulnerability to in-game challenges like foul trouble or off nights. In contrast, Auburn’s depth allows them to withstand such obstacles, making them the more complete team.
However, Auburn’s No. 1 ranking is on the line with upcoming games, including a challenging matchup against Tennessee. Meanwhile, Duke, ranked No. 2 and on a 12-game winning streak, faces Wake Forest. CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish highlighted the significance of the Auburn-Tennessee game, noting Pearl’s history with Tennessee, where he previously led the team to a No. 1 ranking. Maintaining Auburn’s top spot could bolster Pearl’s already Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
Even without star player Johni Broome, Auburn has shown the strength of a balanced roster. Conversely, Duke’s success largely hinges on Flagg’s performances, potentially limiting their ceiling. If Auburn secures its conference title, the Tigers will likely earn a higher seed than Duke, regardless of Saturday’s outcomes.
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