Duke Tips Off Season Monday, and a Win Over Army Won't Be Enough

Duke begins its college basketball season on Monday night with a home matchup against Army, a game that looks unassuming on paper but carries outsized meaning for a program under the spotlight once again, according to Sporting News.

With high expectations surrounding the Blue Devils this year, the season opener is being framed as more than a simple tune-up win. Coaches and players are looking to set a tone early, using the night to establish identity and momentum rather than just notch an easy result against a lower-profile opponent.

The matchup kicks off a schedule that will quickly test how the new-look roster handles the pressure that comes with Duke's perennial title expectations, as the team looks to turn a strong start into sustained success deeper into the season.