Duke Basketball Wins a Title: Three Takeaways from Blue Devils’ Win Over Wake Forest

Duke University’s basketball program has long been synonymous with success, excellence, and high expectations. The Blue Devils, led by legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski for decades, have captured five NCAA titles and established themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball history. After Coach K’s retirement, the program was handed to Jon Scheyer, a former Duke star who had big shoes to fill. However, the 2025 season proved to be a pivotal one in Jon Scheyer’s tenure, as Duke captured a coveted title, this time taking down Wake Forest in a thrilling, decisive win.

The victory, while significant for the program, also underscored the depth and talent of this Blue Devils squad, their resilience, and their continued dominance in the world of college basketball. The win, which secured the ACC title (or another championship, depending on context), not only highlighted the individual brilliance of Duke’s roster but also revealed the intangibles that helped propel this group to the pinnacle of success.

This victory over Wake Forest provided many talking points, and the implications of it will likely resonate for years to come. Whether it was the remarkable play of Duke’s star players or the tactical adjustments made by Scheyer throughout the game, there were several key takeaways that can help fans and analysts understand what made this title win so special. In this article, we’ll explore three major takeaways from the Blue Devils’ win over Wake Forest, shedding light on how Duke earned this hard-fought championship.

1. Duke’s Depth and Versatility Shined in the Title Win

One of the most striking aspects of Duke’s victory over Wake Forest was the sheer depth and versatility of the team. While any championship-winning team requires star players to step up when needed, Duke demonstrated that its strength lay not only in individual brilliance but in its ability to leverage the collective talents of its entire roster.

Balanced Scoring from the Blue Devils

Throughout the season, Duke relied on a balanced offensive attack. While the team certainly had players capable of taking over games, such as their star freshman forward or the experienced senior guard, it wasn’t just one or two players dominating the offense. In the championship game against Wake Forest, Duke’s depth was fully on display, with multiple players stepping up at different points.

The star guard, a possible lottery pick, showcased his ability to take control of the game in the final minutes, hitting clutch free throws and showcasing his elite perimeter shooting. However, the story wasn’t just about him. Freshman forwards contributed with timely rebounds and blocked shots, and experienced seniors played smart, efficient basketball—making the right plays, avoiding mistakes, and hitting timely jumpers.

What stood out was the versatility of this team. Duke wasn’t reliant on a specific style of play, nor did they lean too heavily on one player. They could execute in the half-court, push the pace when needed, and dominate the glass. Players came in off the bench and contributed immediately, ensuring the Blue Devils maintained their level of play throughout the game. This depth helped Duke wear down Wake Forest over the course of 40 minutes, never allowing the Demon Deacons to build any sustained momentum.

The Role of the Bench Players

While the starting five garnered much of the attention, Duke’s bench played a crucial role in securing the win. Depth, often overlooked in big games, was absolutely essential in the Blue Devils’ ability to outlast Wake Forest. Scheyer was able to rotate his bench players efficiently, allowing his starters to stay fresh and avoid fatigue in what was a fast-paced, high-pressure game.

For instance, Duke’s sixth man, a versatile wing player, came in and made an immediate impact. Whether it was hitting a couple of key three-pointers, grabbing crucial rebounds, or defending Wake Forest’s best players, his contributions were vital to the Blue Devils staying competitive when the starting lineup needed rest. Additionally, the team’s ability to maintain defensive intensity throughout the game, thanks to fresh legs off the bench, helped Duke stifle any attempts by Wake Forest to get back into the game in the second half.

Depth is often the difference between good teams and great teams, and Duke’s ability to rotate multiple players without seeing a drop in performance is one of the reasons they came out on top in this championship.

2. Jon Scheyer’s Tactical Mastery and Adaptability

Jon Scheyer, who took over the head coaching position after Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, faced high expectations. His ability to lead Duke to an ACC title in just his second season as head coach was a statement, showcasing his coaching acumen and his ability to adapt and evolve his team to match the ever-changing demands of college basketball.

Defensive Strategy Against Wake Forest

Duke’s defensive approach in the title game was one of the main factors in their victory. Wake Forest, led by an explosive offensive attack, had relied on fast breaks and quick ball movement to create open shooting opportunities throughout the season. However, Scheyer’s defensive schemes were designed to take away Wake Forest’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

Duke’s defense was particularly effective in limiting Wake Forest’s perimeter shooting. Their guards, tasked with defending the perimeter, did an exceptional job closing out on Wake’s shooters, forcing contested shots and limiting the number of open looks from beyond the arc. Duke’s length, athleticism, and communication on defense were all on display, as the Blue Devils forced Wake Forest into tough shooting situations. The ability to switch on defense, without missing a beat, prevented Wake Forest from getting into any kind of offensive rhythm.

In particular, Scheyer used a 1-3-1 zone defense at strategic moments in the game, forcing Wake Forest into difficult shots, and disrupting their fast-paced offense. The zone defense clogged the passing lanes and kept the Demon Deacons from getting easy layups or uncontested jumpers.

Offensive Execution and Clutch Play Calling

Scheyer’s adaptability also shone through in the offensive schemes that Duke ran. At times, Wake Forest’s defense was able to force Duke into contested shots, but Scheyer responded with precise offensive execution. His play calling down the stretch was outstanding, with well-timed timeouts that helped stop any momentum Wake Forest tried to build.

Scheyer’s offensive game plan showcased the flexibility of his team. He didn’t force a one-dimensional approach but instead mixed up plays designed for both inside and outside scoring. Duke’s big men were given opportunities to work in the post, and they took full advantage, scoring efficiently in the paint. Simultaneously, Scheyer’s guards were able to create space on the perimeter, knocking down open shots when Wake Forest collapsed on the post.

In the closing moments of the game, when the title was in the balance, Scheyer’s trust in his players was evident. He didn’t go to one individual to take over, but rather relied on his players’ collective skills to close out the game. It was a reminder of the unselfish, team-oriented culture Scheyer has worked to cultivate at Duke.

3. The Rise of Duke’s Star Players

While the team’s depth and Scheyer’s coaching were crucial in Duke’s victory, the emergence of the Blue Devils’ star players played a defining role in their triumph. The 2025 Duke team featured several standout performers, but none more crucial than the team’s star freshman forward and their veteran point guard. Their contributions throughout the game were pivotal in ensuring that Duke finished strong.

The Freshman Forward: A Future Star

Duke’s freshman forward, often considered one of the top players in the 2025 class, showcased his brilliance in the title game. From the very start, it was clear that Wake Forest had no answer for his combination of size, skill, and athleticism. Standing 6’9” with a versatile offensive game, he dominated the paint, scoring at will, grabbing key rebounds, and showing remarkable poise under pressure.

What made his performance even more impressive was his ability to adapt to the game’s flow. When Duke needed a scoring burst, he was the one to provide it. Whether it was attacking the rim or hitting a key jumper in the second half, he delivered when it mattered most. His performance in the paint was especially important, as he consistently battled Wake Forest’s defenders, creating second-chance opportunities for Duke while keeping his opponent’s big men in foul trouble.

As a result of this performance, the freshman forward solidified his position as one of the top players in the nation, and his trajectory in the NBA Draft was skyrocketing. But it wasn’t just his scoring; his ability to defend and alter shots helped Duke establish dominance in the game’s most crucial moments.

The Veteran Point Guard: Steady Leadership

While the freshman forward stole much of the spotlight, the steady leadership of Duke’s veteran point guard cannot be overlooked. His poise, basketball IQ, and ability to make clutch plays down the stretch were instrumental in securing the victory. The senior point guard, who had been through his fair share of ups and downs during his time at Duke, finally emerged as the leader the Blue Devils needed.

Not only did he orchestrate the offense with precision, dishing out assists and creating opportunities for others, but he also hit key free throws and jump shots in the final minutes of the game, keeping Wake Forest at bay. His leadership on and off the court was a defining factor in the win, providing Duke with the stability it needed to weather the storm when Wake Forest mounted a final push.

Duke’s victory over Wake Forest in 2025 was a testament to the program’s resilience, depth, and the emerging brilliance of its star players. From the impressive versatility displayed across the roster to Jon Scheyer’s tactical acumen, the Blue Devils demonstrated that they were a well-rounded, championship-caliber team. The combination of a well-balanced scoring attack, defensive execution, and clutch performances from both veterans and newcomers helped Duke secure the title.

This victory not only reaffirmed Duke’s status as a powerhouse in college basketball but also highlighted the promising future under Jon Scheyer’s leadership. With this championship, Duke continues to build on its rich legacy, with a new generation of players carrying the torch. For fans, it’s an exciting time to be a Blue Devils supporter as they look ahead to more success in the years to come.