The No. 2 Duke men's basketball team may be the best in the country.
Over two months into the season, the Blue Devils are 17-2 and sit atop the ACC with an undefeated conference record.
As UNC prepares for its game against Duke in February, here are letter grades for each aspect of the team over halfway into the season:
Offense: A
Duke boasts one of the most efficient offenses, ranking sixth in the country. Ball distribution is a big part of the Blue Devils' offense, averaging over 17 assists per game, which is the 14th most in college basketball. But Duke's offensive talent is what separates them from the rest.
First-year forward Cooper Flagg leads the way, averaging over 19 points and four assists per game. Another first-year, forward Kon Knueppel, is averaging 12.8 points per game, providing the Blue Devils with another go-to scoring option.
Defense: A+
While the team's offense has been effective thus far, Duke's defensive prowess has been the main story. The Blue Devils allow 59.3 points per game, which is third best in the nation. Opposing teams shoot just 37 percent from the field, coming in at fifth best in the country.
The addition of All-ACC defender forward Maliq Brown has bolstered Duke's defensive tenacity, with Brown averaging two combined blocks and steals per game. However, while Brown is out with a knee injury, the Blue Devils must rely on 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach to improve the team's rim protection.