SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils calls a play for his team against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Duke defeated Syracuse 75-65. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)Duke is in contention to land one of the top seeds in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 4 in the country heading into this weekend’s matchup against North Carolina.
Typically, when Duke lands a No. 1 or No. 2 overall seed, the Blue Devils are placed in the East Region, making their games close to home.
However, Duke reportedly has another preference this year.
According to Seth Davis, the Blue Devils have requested to be placed in the Midwest Region. The Midwest Regional Final will be held in Chicago this year – Coach K’s home town.
“Duke has requested to be placed in Midwest Regional (Chicago) instead of East (Philly). Chicago is Coach K’s hometown. Higher seed normally goes to closest region but school decides preference,” Davis reports.
Source confirms to @TheAthleticCBB what ESPN's Wright Thompson first reported: Duke has requested to be placed in Midwest Regional (Chicago) instead of East (Philly). Chicago is Coach K's hometown. Higher seed normally goes to closest region but school decides preference.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 3, 2022
ESPN’s Wright Thompson first reported the news.
It’s a bid odd, considering Duke surely has more fans on the East Coast, but you can bet on their fan base traveling for this year’s tournament.
Selection Sunday is a little more than a week away.
