In a season marked by consistency, excellence, and unrelenting dominance, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team completed the ultimate Atlantic Coast Conference double—capturing both the regular season and ACC Tournament titles in emphatic fashion. With their latest triumph, Duke notched its 23rd ACC Tournament championship, further cementing its storied legacy as the gold standard of the conference and one of college basketball’s elite programs.
The Blue Devils’ championship run wasn’t just about winning—it was about how they won. From the opening tip of the regular season to the cutting down of the nets at the ACC Tournament final, Duke displayed a commanding mix of offensive firepower, suffocating defense, and championship-level poise that left opponents gasping for answers.
A Regular Season to Remember
Under head coach Jon Scheyer, now in his third year at the helm, Duke entered the 2024–25 season with sky-high expectations and a roster stacked with returning talent and emerging stars. After navigating a challenging non-conference slate, the Blue Devils hit their stride in ACC play, compiling a dominant 17-3 conference record and finishing two games ahead of their nearest challenger.
Much of Duke’s success was built around a cohesive unit that shared the ball selflessly and defended with a tenacity reminiscent of the program’s best years under Mike Krzyzewski. Sophomore point guard Tyrese Proctor blossomed into a floor general, directing traffic and orchestrating plays with maturity beyond his years. Junior forward Mark Mitchell provided veteran leadership, anchoring the defense and delivering in clutch moments.
Perhaps the most exciting development, however, was the emergence of Jared McCain, the sophomore guard whose scoring instincts and flair for the dramatic electrified Cameron Indoor Stadium throughout the season. McCain led the team in scoring with 17.8 points per game and was named First-Team All-ACC, while Proctor and Mitchell earned second-team and defensive team honors, respectively.
ACC Tournament: A Tour de Force
Riding the momentum of their regular-season crown, Duke entered the ACC Tournament in Charlotte as the No. 1 seed and overwhelming favorite. The Blue Devils didn’t just win—they dominated, becoming the first team in ACC history to win all three tournament games by double digits en route to the title.
Quarterfinals: Duke vs. Miami
After a double-bye, Duke opened tournament play against the 8-seed Miami Hurricanes. From the opening whistle, it was evident the Blue Devils came to make a statement. Proctor dished out 10 assists in a near-flawless performance, while McCain torched the Hurricanes for 24 points in a 78-61 blowout. The Duke defense held Miami to just 37% shooting from the floor and forced 16 turnovers.
Semifinals: Duke vs. NC State
The semifinal matchup against 5-seed NC State proved slightly more competitive, but Duke’s depth and discipline proved too much. Freshman phenom Coen Carr came off the bench to deliver a high-flying 14-point, 8-rebound effort, while Mitchell’s steady presence helped the Blue Devils control the pace. Duke pulled away late to secure a 74-65 win.
Final: Duke vs. North Carolina
As fate would have it, the ACC Championship Game pitted archrivals Duke and North Carolina in a Tobacco Road showdown that lived up to its billing—for a half. Tied 36-36 at the break, the Blue Devils unleashed a second-half surge behind McCain’s offensive brilliance and a swarming full-court press that rattled the Tar Heels into submission. The 82-68 victory gave Duke its 23rd ACC Tournament crown, the most in conference history, and a clean sweep of both league championships.
After the game, Scheyer praised his team’s resilience and unity:
“This is a group that’s grown together all season. They’ve put in the work, stayed connected, and committed themselves to Duke basketball. To win both the regular season and the tournament says everything about their heart and leadership.”
Tournament MVP: Jared McCain
There was no debate when it came to naming the ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player—Jared McCain was spectacular. Averaging 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game over the three tournament contests, McCain dazzled fans and analysts with his shot-making ability, court awareness, and competitive fire. His game-high 26 points in the title bout against UNC, including six made three-pointers, underscored his status as one of the nation’s top guards.
McCain, known for his TikTok charisma as well as his on-court talent, reflected on the moment:
“I came to Duke to win titles. To do this with my brothers means the world. But we’re not done yet—we’ve got our eyes on a bigger prize.”
Jon Scheyer’s Coaching Evolution
Jon Scheyer’s journey from Blue Devil player to head coach of one of the most scrutinized programs in the sport hasn’t always been smooth, but this season marked a clear turning point. Now firmly out of Coach K’s shadow, Scheyer has developed his own voice and identity as a coach, emphasizing communication, player development, and modern offensive schemes.
This championship marks Scheyer’s second ACC Tournament title as a head coach, and it may be the most satisfying. After early exits in the NCAA Tournament his first two years, Scheyer has guided this group into a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance and a legitimate national championship contender.
“We’ve built a culture here based on accountability, effort, and family,” Scheyer said. “These guys have bought into that 100 percent. They represent Duke in every way.”
Depth and Experience
One of the key factors in Duke’s championship run was its depth and experience. The team returned several key contributors from last season, including Proctor, Mitchell, and McCain, but also benefited from the development of young talent and the addition of versatile bench pieces.
Freshman Isaiah Evans, a five-star recruit from North Carolina, provided instant offense off the bench, while Ryan Young and Sean Stewart anchored the second unit with physicality and energy. Duke’s ability to go nine or ten deep gave Scheyer the flexibility to match up with any opponent and wear teams down over 40 minutes.
Veteran leadership was also crucial. Graduate transfer Caden Shedrick, a shot-blocking presence in the paint, brought toughness and tournament experience, having played in March before during his time at Virginia.
Eyeing a National Title
With the ACC sweep behind them, Duke now sets its sights on the NCAA Tournament, where they’ve secured a No. 1 seed in the East Region. Their path to the Final Four won’t be easy, but the Blue Devils are peaking at the right time and have all the pieces needed to make a deep run.
Duke will enter the Big Dance as one of the nation’s top five teams in both offensive and defensive efficiency, according to KenPom metrics. They also lead the ACC in assist-to-turnover ratio and have held opponents to under 40% shooting on the season.
While many national analysts are already labeling Duke as a Final Four lock, the players remain grounded.
“We’ve got to take it one game at a time,” said Proctor. “March is unforgiving. But we believe in each other, and we believe in what we’ve built.”
Legacy of Greatness
Duke’s 23rd ACC Tournament title only extends a legacy of sustained excellence that few programs can match. The Blue Devils now have 23 ACC Tournament championships, 22 regular-season titles, and five national championships. The program has produced a litany of NBA stars, All-Americans, and iconic moments, but this season may be remembered as the start of a new era under Scheyer.
For Duke fans, the 2024–25 season has been a dream come true—a return to dominance, a blend of youth and experience, and a team that plays with swagger, toughness, and unity.
As confetti rained down inside the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, McCain stood midcourt holding the championship trophy aloft, surrounded by teammates roaring in celebration. It was a moment of culmination—but also of promise. Because for this group, the season is far from over.