Although they haven’t lost a game in the postseason the Blue Devils will not be continuing their run in the ACC tournament. A Duke player tested positive for COVID-19, which will result in the team not being able to play further. This may have big implications for the Blue Devils who find themselves with a not-so-great record. At just two games above .500, the 10th seed in the conference needed to win a couple of games or more to put themselves in contention.
The opportunity would have been there for Duke if they were able to play in their scheduled game today. Florida State will now have a bye as they try to win the ACC Tournament Title. Duke began the tournament with a win over Boston College, the 15th seed in the tourney. After that win on Tuesday, they took on the Louisville Cardinals. In an upset victory Coach K’s squad came out on top of the Cards 70-56. A win over the Seminoles would have been a nice win to add to the resume.
Duke has a positive COVID test and will not play tonight in the ACC tourney, source told @Stadium. Looks like season is over for the Blue Devils.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 11, 2021
This season has not been the best for Duke. A rocky start to the beginning of the season was halted when the team stopped play due to concerns over COVID-19. That resulted in the latter end of the non-conference schedule being canceled. Recently, after struggling more during conference play, Jalen Johnson left the team. Johnson caught a lot of heat for forgoing the rest of his season. However, if a Duke player tested positive and ends the season, Johnson’s decision looks better than before. These games wouldn’t have provided enough to improve his draft stock by much if at all.
For Duke, they will hope to make it into the big dance, but shouldn’t hold their breaths. The Blue Devils will look forward to the next season with a new batch of talented players along with returners. In a not-so-stellar pandemic season, perhaps a pandemic ending is appropriate.
