The 2024–25 Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team made an indelible mark on college basketball with a stellar season that demonstrated the program’s sustained excellence. Head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over the reins from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, further cemented his legacy with this remarkable campaign. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the team’s key achievements and individual performances that made the season so special.
Team Overview
The Duke Blue Devils finished the regular season with an impressive 35–3 record, dominating the ACC with a 19–1 mark to secure the ACC regular-season title. They also clinched the ACC Tournament championship with a commanding victory over Louisville. Throughout the season, Duke displayed its hallmark defensive toughness, stellar rebounding, and offensive versatility. The team was equally strong offensively and defensively, ranking high in both points scored and points allowed.
NCAA Tournament Run:
As the No. 1 seed in the East Region, Duke entered the NCAA Tournament with high expectations. Their dominance throughout the tournament was on full display as they cruised to the Final Four with impressive victories over Mount St. Mary’s (93-49), Baylor (89-66), Arizona (100-93), and Alabama (85-65). Despite a heartbreaking 70–67 loss to Houston in the Final Four, Duke’s performance in the tournament showcased their resilience, skill, and determination.
Key Players
Cooper Flagg (Freshman Forward)
One of the most electrifying players in college basketball, Cooper Flagg, lived up to the hype in his freshman season. Flagg, ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in the country, had an immediate impact on the Blue Devils. He led the team in multiple statistical categories, including points (18.9 ppg), rebounds (7.5 rpg), assists (4.2 apg), steals (1.4 spg), and blocks (1.3 bpg). His all-around play and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor made him the centerpiece of Duke’s attack. He was named the Associated Press Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year, an honor he earned with an extraordinary season. His shot-blocking, court vision, and versatility as both a scorer and defender made him a potential future NBA lottery pick.
Kon Knueppel (Freshman Forward)
Knueppel, another highly-touted freshman, made significant contributions to the team’s success. Known for his sharp shooting and basketball IQ, Knueppel averaged 13 points and 4 rebounds per game. His stellar performances in critical moments, particularly during the ACC Tournament, earned him the tournament MVP honors. Knueppel’s presence on the floor as a scoring threat was invaluable, especially in tight games where his composure and clutch shooting often made the difference.
Tyrese Proctor (Junior Guard)
Tyrese Proctor’s leadership and experience were vital to Duke’s success. As a junior, Proctor took on a larger role as the team’s floor general, contributing 10 points and 4 assists per game. His ability to facilitate Duke’s offense while also being a capable scorer helped provide balance to the team’s attack. Proctor’s leadership, particularly in high-pressure situations, was a key factor in Duke’s success throughout the season. His playmaking ability and defensive prowess allowed him to set the tone for Duke both offensively and defensively.
Khaman Maluach (Senior Center)
Maluach, the team’s starting center, provided Duke with a reliable presence in the paint. At 7 feet tall, Maluach was not only a force on the boards but also a shot-blocking specialist. Averaging 1.3 blocks per game, he was a key anchor for the Blue Devils’ defense, especially in the interior. His ability to protect the rim and provide timely scoring when needed made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Bench Contributions
Though the starters were the main contributors to Duke’s success, the team’s depth was another strength. Players like Spencer Hubbard, Cameron Sheffield, Isaiah Evans, and Caleb Foster provided critical minutes off the bench. Foster, in particular, played a significant role when called upon, showcasing his potential as a future star with his ability to score and facilitate.
Mason Gillis and Maliq Brown, two experienced forwards, provided a steady hand and were important contributors throughout the season. Their versatility and experience allowed Duke to maintain its level of play, even when the bench was called upon to fill in for the starters.
Coaching and Scheyer’s Impact
Head coach Jon Scheyer, in his third season at the helm, continued to show that his transition from assistant to head coach was seamless. Under his leadership, Duke implemented a fast-paced, high-pressure defensive style that kept opponents off balance. Scheyer’s ability to develop young talent and integrate them into his system was evident as freshman stars like Flagg and Knueppel thrived in his system.
Scheyer’s coaching philosophy emphasized defensive discipline, player movement, and unselfish ball distribution. His ability to keep the team focused during challenging stretches and maintain a winning mindset allowed the Blue Devils to finish strong in both regular-season and postseason play.
The Road to the Final Four
Duke’s run to the Final Four was a testament to the team’s cohesion, grit, and the exceptional talent on the roster. Each game presented new challenges, but the Blue Devils responded with poise and a never-give-up attitude.
- East First Round: Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s (93-49) – Duke made quick work of Mount St. Mary’s in their tournament opener, showing off their explosive offense and stifling defense.
- East Second Round: Duke vs. Baylor (89-66) – In a highly anticipated matchup against Baylor, Duke’s combination of scoring and defense was too much for the Bears, as they ran away with a comfortable victory.
- East Regional Semifinal: Duke vs. Arizona (100-93) – A thrilling high-scoring affair, Duke outlasted Arizona in a nail-biting contest. Cooper Flagg played a crucial role, dropping 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the win.
- East Regional Final: Duke vs. Alabama (85-65) – Duke’s defense stifled Alabama’s high-powered offense in the regional final, securing an 85-65 victory and punching their ticket to the Final Four.
While Duke’s Final Four game against Houston was a close, hard-fought contest, their loss (70-67) in the Final Four showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. It was a game that was decided by a few key plays, and Duke’s players left everything on the floor. Houston’s experience and depth ultimately proved too much in a game where every possession counted.
The Future is Bright
Despite the heartbreaking end to the season, the 2024-25 Duke Blue Devils made it clear that they are a program on the rise under Coach Scheyer. The talent, energy, and winning mentality present on the team suggest that this program will continue to contend for national titles in the years to come.
Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor represent a core group of players who will continue to shape the Blue Devils’ future. With the 2025 recruiting class looking as strong as ever, Duke’s path to continued success is solidified. The 2024-25 season proved that Duke is not just a powerhouse in college basketball, but a team built for sustained excellence, setting up what promises to be an exciting future.
Duke’s recruitment of young stars and development of both freshmen and upperclassmen positions them as favorites for future NCAA tournaments. And with Scheyer continuing to build his program, the Blue Devils are poised to remain a dominant force in college basketball for years to come.
Leave a Reply