The Dukes were led by fourth-year head coach Mark Byington and played their home games at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia as members of the Sun Belt Conference.

4-ranked Michigan State, earning their first victory over a ranked opponent since defeating California on December 29, 1992.

[2] The Dukes then went on to have their best record to start a season in program history, going 14–0 before they were handed their first loss against Southern Miss.

[11] Sources: The Dukes were picked to finish in first place in the Sun Belt Conference's (SBC) preseason poll.

[12] Redshirt junior guard Terrence Edwards Jr. was named to the preseason All-SBC First Team.