ESPN’s Andraya Carter firmly believes that Bruce Pearl’s Auburn basketball team is superior to Duke this season. On Saturday’s College GameDay, prior to Auburn’s victory over Georgia and Duke’s win over Boston College, Carter pointed out Auburn’s depth and team-oriented play as key advantages over Duke, which relies heavily on Cooper Flagg.
“I love this Duke team and their offensive system, but everything revolves around Cooper Flagg,” Carter stated, according to Saturday Down South. “They have incredible talent, but Flagg is the focal point who sets up plays for everyone. More often than not, they depend entirely on him.”
Carter explained that while Duke doesn’t have a ball-dominant guard, this approach carries risks, such as vulnerability to foul trouble or off performances. In contrast, Auburn’s depth allows them to weather these challenges, making them a more well-rounded team.
While Auburn’s top ranking is at stake in upcoming games, including a tough contest against Tennessee, Duke, ranked No. 2 and riding a 12-game winning streak, will face Wake Forest. CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish highlighted the significance of the Auburn-Tennessee game, noting Pearl’s history with Tennessee, where he once led the team to a No. 1 ranking. Retaining Auburn’s top spot would further strengthen Pearl’s Hall of Fame credentials.
Even without star Johni Broome, Auburn has shown the strength of a balanced roster. On the other hand, Duke’s success largely hinges on Flagg’s performances, which could limit their potential. If Auburn wins its conference title, they are likely to secure a higher seed than Duke, regardless of Saturday’s results.
