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Duke Basketball: Top 5 reasons why the Blue Devils will be better than North Carolina in 2018-19

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: RJ Barrett #6 of Montverde Academy dunks during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: RJ Barrett #6 of Montverde Academy dunks during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

The rivalry on Tobacco Road is sure to deliver this year. Here’s a look at five reasons why Duke Basketball will be better than North Carolina in 2018-19.

The Duke Blue Devils are more loaded than ever for this upcoming season. If you thought last year’s roster packed a punch, this year’s may take you for the ride of your life. Gone are Marvin Bagley III, Wendell Carter Jr., Trevon Duval and Gary Trent Jr. but a fresh batch of talent is ready to show what they can do.

Led by freshmen R.J. Barrett, this year’s recruiting class boasts five new faces as the Blue Devils look to keep their status as a national powerhouse. They’ll have some tests early in the schedule. The Blue Devils open the regular season Nov. 6 against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Before the ACC schedule revs up in February, Duke will have a few games to build their confidence as well. Their non-conference schedule does boast the likes of Indiana and St. John’s as well as an appearance in the Maui Invitational so that doesn’t mean there won’t be roadblocks.

The Tar Heels do lead the overall series with a record of 96-83, although the Blue Devils have won seven of the last 11 meetings. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has done his part to evolve with the game of college basketball, especially in the recruiting ranks. Now, he boasts one of the top freshman classes in the game. Here’s a look at five reasons why the Duke Blue Devils will be better than UNC in 2018-19.