In Chicago, Duke basketball will meet Arkansas in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic
Introduction
As college basketball heats up during the early months of the 2025-2026 season, fans are gearing up for one of the most exciting matchups: the Duke Blue Devils vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks at the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic. Set to take place in the heart of Chicago, this game will bring together two of the most dynamic programs in college basketball. Duke, a storied powerhouse led by Coach Jon Scheyer, faces off against the razor-sharp, up-and-coming Arkansas squad coached by Eric Musselman. It promises to be an intense, high-energy battle that sets the tone for both teams as they move deeper into their respective seasons.
This matchup is not just about the game itself—it’s an opportunity for both teams to make a statement on the national stage. The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic has long been a showcase for top-tier programs, and this year, the stakes are high as both teams eye high seeds in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. What makes this game even more exciting is the fact that Chicago provides a neutral setting, with fans from both Duke’s national fanbase and Arkansas’ growing supporters making the atmosphere electric.
1. Duke Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence, A New Era
Duke University is synonymous with college basketball success. The program has won five national championships and produced some of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood, such as Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Zion Williamson. The Blue Devils’ dominance on the court has always been built on solid defense, disciplined offense, and an unrelenting competitive spirit. However, with Coach Mike Krzyzewski retiring after over 40 years at the helm, it marked the beginning of a new era for Duke basketball under Jon Scheyer.
Jon Scheyer’s Impact: Scheyer, a former Duke player under Coach K, stepped into the head coaching role in 2022, inheriting one of the most storied programs in college basketball. His immediate task was to maintain Duke’s success while continuing to recruit top-tier talent. Under Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils have remained formidable, with a focus on blending traditional Duke values—tough defense, fast breaks, and inside-out offense—with modern offensive strategies that allow for greater flexibility in their style of play.
Key Players for Duke:
- Jeremy Roach (Guard): Roach, a returning senior, has emerged as Duke’s leader. He has the ability to control the pace of the game and is effective at both ends of the floor. His decision-making, particularly in clutch situations, will be crucial in a high-pressure game like this. Roach’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates while also being a scoring threat makes him one of the most important players on the court.
- Kyle Filipowski (Forward): Filipowski, one of the top freshman talents in the nation, is quickly establishing himself as a future NBA prospect. His versatile game, with the ability to score both inside and on the perimeter, will create mismatches for Arkansas’ defense. Additionally, his rebounding skills and shot-blocking ability are vital to Duke’s defensive schemes.
- Mark Mitchell (Forward): Another high-profile freshman, Mitchell brings athleticism and a high basketball IQ to the floor. His defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting will make him a key contributor against a team like Arkansas, which thrives in transition and physical play.
Duke’s Playing Style: Duke plays an up-tempo style, particularly on offense, but is also known for its suffocating defense. They are a team that loves to control the tempo, dictate possessions, and rely on superior shot selection. With high-level ball handlers like Roach and sharp-shooters on the wings, Duke will look to attack in transition, but they also rely heavily on set plays that allow their bigs like Filipowski to operate in the paint or stretch the defense with mid-range jumpers.
2. Arkansas Basketball: The Rise of the Razorbacks
While Duke has long been a national powerhouse, Arkansas has been making an impressive rise under the leadership of Eric Musselman. Since taking over in 2019, Musselman has brought a sense of urgency and excitement to the program, transforming the Razorbacks into a legitimate contender on the national stage. The Razorbacks have reached the Elite Eight in consecutive years and are quickly becoming a fixture in the conversation about top college basketball programs.
Eric Musselman’s Coaching Philosophy: Musselman has built his reputation as a coach who loves to push the tempo, create chaos on defense, and take advantage of matchups. Arkansas is known for its “40 minutes of hell” style defense—pressuring opponents full-court and turning turnovers into easy baskets. Musselman also places a premium on recruiting high-level talent, and his ability to blend experienced transfers with young talent has made Arkansas one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.
Key Players for Arkansas:
- Nick Smith Jr. (Guard): Smith is widely regarded as one of the top players in the country. A potential lottery pick in the NBA Draft, Smith is a dynamic guard who can score from anywhere on the floor. His ability to drive to the basket, hit deep three-pointers, and create for his teammates makes him a matchup nightmare. Against Duke, his offensive firepower will be needed to break down their tough defense.
- Kamani Johnson (Forward): The senior forward is a physical presence in the paint. Johnson is known for his rebounding, toughness, and ability to finish around the basket. His performance in this game will be pivotal in giving Arkansas a fighting chance against Duke’s bigs. If Johnson can control the boards and limit Duke’s second-chance opportunities, Arkansas will have a better shot at controlling the pace.
- Ricky Council IV (Guard/Forward): Council is another key contributor for Arkansas. He brings versatility and athleticism, capable of playing both as a wing and as a guard. His length and defensive prowess will be valuable in matching up against Duke’s fast-breaking offense and perimeter shooting.
Arkansas’ Playing Style: Arkansas is known for its high-intensity, up-tempo game. The Razorbacks thrive in transition, looking to score quickly off turnovers and fast breaks. Defensively, they apply full-court pressure, force turnovers, and make life difficult for opposing guards. Their physicality and depth allow them to wear opponents down, and they rely heavily on their depth to keep fresh legs on the floor for a full 40 minutes. Offensively, they focus on getting the ball to the rim, either through drives or by using their size to dominate the paint.
3. Coaching and Strategy: The Battle of Tactics
This game pits two of college basketball’s brightest minds against each other in a battle of strategic coaching. Jon Scheyer and Eric Musselman have vastly different philosophies, but both have proven their worth at the highest level.
Scheyer’s Approach to Defense and Offensive Execution: Scheyer will need to be cautious about Arkansas’ pressure defense. While Duke has traditionally been strong defensively, Arkansas’ ability to trap and force turnovers will challenge Duke’s ball-handling. Scheyer will likely emphasize patience, focusing on breaking Arkansas’ press with disciplined ball movement. Offensively, he’ll look to exploit Arkansas’ defense by spreading the floor with shooters and getting his bigs into advantageous positions inside.
Musselman’s Strategy for a Win: Musselman will undoubtedly focus on keeping the tempo high and creating turnovers with full-court pressure. He’ll want to get out in transition and take advantage of Duke’s potential vulnerabilities in a fast-paced game. On offense, he’ll look to attack the rim relentlessly, using Smith and Council to break down Duke’s defense while drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line.
4. Key X-Factors: Who Will Step Up?
Both teams have stars, but the outcome of this game could be decided by the X-factors—players who don’t necessarily dominate the spotlight but can make a huge difference when they step up.
- Duke’s Jacob Grandison (Guard): Grandison is a transfer from Illinois who brings veteran experience and shooting ability. If he can knock down open shots from beyond the arc, it could stretch Arkansas’ defense and open lanes for other Duke players to operate.
- Arkansas’ Jordan Walsh (Forward): Walsh, a freshman, is a dynamic athlete who can impact the game with his defense and athleticism. His ability to guard multiple positions and make plays in transition will be essential against Duke’s high-caliber players.
5. The Venue: Chicago’s Role in the Classic
Chicago, one of the biggest basketball hubs in the country, will serve as the perfect neutral-site for this game. The city’s rich basketball history and its passionate fanbase will create an electric atmosphere in the arena. With fans of both Duke and Arkansas filling the seats, the intensity of the game will only be amplified.
6. Final Thoughts and What to Expect
This game represents more than just a regular-season matchup. For both Duke and Arkansas, it’s an opportunity to prove they are among the nation’s elite programs. The outcome could have significant ramifications on rankings and momentum heading into conference play and the NCAA Tournament.
The combination of Duke’s disciplined style and Arkansas’ high-paced game will make for a thrilling contest. Fans can expect fast breaks, clutch performances, and a game that could come down to the final possessions. Whether it’s Duke’s experience or Arkansas’ explosive offense, both teams have the tools to come out on top.
As the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a fantastic basketball showcase. This game will feature two of the most talented teams in the nation, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, but both with a clear goal: to take one step closer to an NCAA Tournament berth and a potential national title run. Fans can expect drama, excitement, and plenty of basketball brilliance as Duke and Arkansas face off in what is sure to be a memorable contest.