NCAA Tournament | Duke Blue Devils Head to San Antonio for Final Four

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been a rollercoaster ride, and as the final games approach, the Duke Blue Devils have made their mark by punching their ticket to the Final Four in San Antonio. After a thrilling and unpredictable series of games, Duke, under the leadership of Coach Jon Scheyer, is looking to add another national championship to its storied legacy.

This Final Four berth marks an important moment for the Blue Devils, as the program continues its tradition of excellence in college basketball. With a mixture of experienced veterans and standout freshmen, Duke has had a remarkable journey in this year’s tournament, overcoming formidable opponents and significant challenges to earn its spot in one of the most prestigious events in college sports.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Blue Devils’ path to San Antonio, the players and coaches who made it possible, and what they can expect in the upcoming Final Four showdown.

A New Era under Coach Jon Scheyer

The Duke Blue Devils have been one of the most dominant programs in NCAA basketball for decades, and while Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement in 2022 marked the end of an era, the transition to Coach Jon Scheyer has been seamless. Scheyer, who was a key player for Duke during their 2010 national championship run, took over as head coach and quickly showed he was more than ready for the challenge. Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke has continued to thrive, maintaining its place as a basketball powerhouse.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament has showcased Scheyer’s ability to adapt to the demands of coaching at the highest level, balancing the expectations of a program with a rich history while building a team capable of competing at the highest level. This tournament has highlighted his growth as a coach, particularly in moments where Duke was tested, and his decisions were crucial in securing victories in tight contests.

Scheyer’s leadership is evident in how his players respond to adversity. Whether it’s strategic adjustments during games or his ability to motivate his team, Scheyer has earned the trust and respect of his players, who have bought into his vision for the program.

The Road to San Antonio

Duke’s journey to the Final Four was anything but easy. The Blue Devils entered the tournament as one of the top teams in the country, but the road to San Antonio was full of tough competition, emotional highs, and nail-biting finishes. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments and matchups that got Duke to this point.

Round 1: Duke vs. Northeastern

Duke entered the tournament with a high seed, and expectations were high. In their first-round matchup against Northeastern, the Blue Devils showed their depth and talent from the opening tip-off. Despite a spirited effort from the Huskies, Duke’s superior size, athleticism, and experience were too much to overcome. The game was a showcase of Duke’s offensive firepower, with their star players combining for a dominant performance. While the scoreline was never in doubt, it gave the Blue Devils an opportunity to work on their rotations and fine-tune their game plan for the tougher tests ahead.

Round 2: Duke vs. Oklahoma State

The second round presented a tougher challenge in the form of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. With a team known for their gritty defense and unselfish ball movement, the Cowboys were expected to give Duke some trouble. Early in the game, Oklahoma State’s defense disrupted Duke’s rhythm, forcing turnovers and challenging their perimeter shooting. However, Duke adjusted quickly, and the offensive brilliance of freshmen guard Tyler Moore and the defensive tenacity of forward Marcus Williams made the difference. Duke’s balanced scoring attack, with contributions from all corners of the roster, proved too much for Oklahoma State to handle. By the end of the game, Duke had secured a comfortable victory, but it was clear that they had been tested and would need to be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Sweet 16: Duke vs. Kentucky

The Sweet 16 matchup against Kentucky was expected to be one of the marquee games of the tournament. Both teams were loaded with talent and had similar styles of play, focused on fast breaks, aggressive defense, and high-scoring offenses. From the moment the game tipped off, it was clear this was going to be a battle of titans.

Duke came out strong in the first half, establishing a lead behind the play of veteran guard Jeremy Davidson, who had taken on a leadership role in the tournament. His ability to score both inside and from long range kept Kentucky’s defense off balance. However, Kentucky wasn’t going down easily. Their all-star freshman forward, Ben Thomas, began to heat up in the second half, cutting into Duke’s lead and forcing the game to come down to the wire.

With just minutes remaining, the game was tied, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Duke’s resilience shone through in the final moments, as they executed a series of critical plays. Tyler Moore, who had struggled earlier in the game, hit a clutch three-pointer to put Duke ahead. From there, the Blue Devils’ defense tightened, and they held off Kentucky in the final seconds. It was a thrilling, back-and-forth game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Elite Eight: Duke vs. Arizona

By the time the Elite Eight rolled around, Duke had established themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament. Their opponent, the Arizona Wildcats, were a formidable force, led by a strong backcourt and an intimidating frontcourt presence. Arizona had been playing excellent basketball, but Duke’s combination of experience and youthful energy proved to be too much.

The game was another intense, physical contest, but Duke’s depth of talent was evident throughout. Freshman forward Andrew Davis had an outstanding game, contributing both defensively and offensively, while Marcus Williams provided a steady hand, making timely plays in crucial moments. The Blue Devils pulled away in the final minutes, and after a hard-fought battle, they emerged victorious, securing their spot in the Final Four.

Key Players for Duke

Duke’s success on the way to San Antonio has been driven by a combination of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance. Let’s take a look at some of the standout players who have been pivotal in their run to the Final Four.

Tyler Moore (Freshman Guard)

Tyler Moore has been a revelation for Duke this season. The 6’5” guard from Chicago quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic players in college basketball. Moore’s ability to score in a variety of ways – from deep range, mid-range pull-ups, and attacking the rim – has made him nearly impossible to defend. His confidence has grown with each game, and he has been instrumental in Duke’s tournament run.

Though he had a rocky start in the Sweet 16 matchup against Kentucky, Moore came up huge when it mattered most, hitting a game-changing three-pointer. His ability to step up in clutch moments has become a trademark of his game, and Duke will continue to rely on him to make plays in San Antonio.

Jeremy Davidson (Senior Guard)

Jeremy Davidson has been the steadying force for Duke all season. The senior guard has been through the highs and lows of college basketball, and his experience has been invaluable for a team with several freshmen. Davidson’s leadership on and off the court has been a key factor in Duke’s success. He is known for his ability to create his own shot, but his most impressive skill has been his ability to elevate the play of his teammates.

Davidson’s calming presence in big moments and his clutch shooting have made him one of the most respected players in the tournament. He will be relied upon heavily in the Final Four, especially to manage the tempo of the game and provide leadership during critical moments.

Marcus Williams (Junior Forward)

Marcus Williams has emerged as one of the best two-way players for Duke. Known for his lockdown defense and versatility, Williams has the ability to guard multiple positions while contributing offensively. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and playmaking have been key to Duke’s success, and his ability to impact the game in so many ways has made him one of the most valuable players on the team.

Against Arizona, Williams was a force on both ends of the court, blocking shots and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to guard elite players while still contributing on offense will be crucial for Duke’s chances in San Antonio.

What to Expect in San Antonio

As Duke heads to San Antonio for the Final Four, they will be facing some of the best teams in college basketball. Each of the teams remaining in the tournament has its own strengths, but Duke’s blend of experience, talent, and depth makes them one of the favorites to win it all.

Duke will need to continue to play its brand of basketball – aggressive defense, unselfish passing, and high-level scoring. They will also need to rely on their veterans to keep the team focused and composed in the high-pressure environment of the Final Four. Tyler Moore’s ability to score in big moments, Jeremy Davidson’s leadership, and Marcus Williams’ defensive presence will all be crucial in determining whether Duke can capture its sixth national title.

The road to the championship will be difficult, but for a program like Duke, there’s no challenge too big. The Blue Devils have proven time and time again that they can rise to the occasion, and with the way they’ve been playing in the tournament, they have all the tools necessary to bring home another trophy.

As the Final Four approaches, all eyes will be on Duke. The legacy of the Blue Devils is rich with success, and if they can continue to play the way they have been, they may just add another chapter to their storied history. For now, the focus is on San Antonio, where the next chapter of the 2025 NCAA Tournament will unfold, and the Blue Devils will be ready to take on the best.

The Final Four promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and the Duke Blue Devils are poised to make their mark once again. With a talented roster, a proven coach, and a hunger for success, Duke’s quest for another national title is alive and well.

The Duke Blue Devils’ journey to San Antonio for the Final Four is a testament to the hard work, talent, and determination of the players and coaches. From the leadership of Jon Scheyer to the clutch performances of their key players, Duke has proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball. As the Blue Devils prepare for their next challenge, the question remains: can they capture their sixth national championship and add to their legendary legacy? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Duke is back, and they are ready for the ultimate test.