I wasn’t a fan of basketball before I went to Duke. Sure, I’d watch an occasional game now and then, and I definitely found it enjoyable to watch, but I wouldn’t call myself a fan. I didn’t know any players or even any teams.

But when I got to Duke, all of that changed. I became a real fan. I learned all of the players’ names, numbers, positions – things I’d never done for any sports team ever. Duke basketball was just different. Why is that? I’m sure you’re wondering. Here are a few reasons why Duke basketball is just the best.

1. Duke basketball is intense.

Duke fans often joke that our team would leave it to the very last second to win the game. I’d argue that, most of the time, this is true. Some examples include the UNC/Duke game two seasons ago where Duke came back to win in double overtime and, of course, the national championship game that same year (thanks to Grayson for pulling us back!). Duke basketball keeps you involved; it keeps you watching. You never really get bored.

2. Duke basketball has the best fans.

We’re consistently voted as the top group of fans in the world. We’re the home court advantage of the century. Almost everyone at Duke is into basketball, and we have more school spirit than anyone I’ve ever seen. The chants are terrific and hilarious. More than once, I’ve seen teams thrown completely off their game by us. I’m super proud to be a Cameron Crazie.

3. Duke basketball can be the underdogs.

Yeah, yeah, I know what everyone’s thinking: “They go to Duke! They’re rich and smart! How can they be underdogs?” Well, I’m here to tell you that not everyone at Duke is rich. Most of our players are on scholarship, and many don’t come from rich families. In addition, our team is consistently hated by other people and fans of other teams. We’re probably one of the most hated teams in the country. That screams underdogs to me.

4. Duke basketball has well-rounded players.

Duke players are good at sports and athletic, but they’re also smart! They take real classes that are pretty tough. I’ve had friends that are in classes with the players, and they’re definitely real classes. In addition, they do well. We have the most number of players with ACC Academic Honors of any team.

5. Duke basketball has the best coach.

Coach K. Need I say more? He’s the coach of Team USA. He’s the first coach to achieve over 1K wins. He’s amazing. (Prayers he won’t retire any time soon.)

6. Duke basketball brings people together.

I can’t count how many times I’ve met someone, they’ve professed themselves to be a fan of Duke basketball, and then there’s this immediate connection where we start blabbering about the team. Everyone bonds over Duke basketball. It’s great.

7. Duke basketball is a team of champions!

This sounds bandwagon-y, I’m aware, but it’s the truth. There’s an amazing feeling that washes over you when your team wins a game, a tournament, or a national championship. Plus, there’s a lot of satisfaction in rubbing your wins in other teams’ faces. It’s nice to know that your support is earned and is paying off!