Few programs in college basketball possess the tradition, legacy, and expectation of excellence quite like the Duke Blue Devils. Yet, even by their sky-high standards, the 2024–25 campaign will be remembered as a remarkable one—a season that restored the Blue Devils to the pinnacle of ACC dominance and signaled their resurgence as a national powerhouse. Under the steady leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke not only captured the ACC Regular Season title, but they capped it off with a triumphant run through the ACC Tournament, hoisting the championship trophy in Greensboro for the first time in over a decade.
This is the story of a Blue Devils squad that balanced talent and tenacity, youth and experience, grit and grace. It was a season marked by growth, chemistry, and championship-level play on both ends of the floor.
The Road to the Regular Season Title
When the 2024–25 season tipped off, expectations were high in Durham. After a promising but uneven 2023–24 campaign, Duke returned a solid core of players and welcomed in another heralded recruiting class. But it wasn’t just about the stars. The team’s identity was built on depth, defense, and cohesion.
Duke opened the season with a series of non-conference matchups that tested their mettle. A narrow victory over Michigan State in the Champions Classic and a gritty road win at Arkansas in the SEC/ACC Challenge signaled that this team had matured. By the time conference play rolled around in late December, Duke was already firmly positioned in the Top 10 of the national rankings.
Throughout the ACC regular season, the Blue Devils showcased their consistency and adaptability. Whether blowing out weaker opponents or grinding out close wins against fellow contenders like North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia, Duke played with poise and confidence. Their 17–3 record in ACC play was not only the best in the conference, it reflected a team that learned to win in multiple ways.
Jon Scheyer, now in his third year at the helm, showed remarkable growth as a coach. His in-game adjustments, ability to develop young talent, and emphasis on team-first basketball were key to Duke’s success. The transition from Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary era had been completed—not in a single game, but through the slow, steady building of culture and identity.
Standout Players and Breakout Stars
Much of Duke’s success this season can be attributed to the balanced contributions of its roster. While many Blue Devil squads in the past were headlined by one-and-done phenoms, this year’s team featured a unique mix of experienced returners and impactful freshmen.
Tyrese Proctor – The Engine of the Offense
The junior guard from Australia emerged as Duke’s most dependable player. Tyrese Proctor ran the offense with maturity and pace, averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. He took over games in clutch moments and served as a vocal leader in the locker room. His decision to return for another year paid off tremendously, as his NBA stock skyrocketed and his leadership was irreplaceable.
Jared McCain – Freshman Phenom
McCain’s infectious energy, shot-making ability, and relentless hustle made him a fan favorite and one of the ACC’s top newcomers. The California native averaged 13.2 points per game and played with a confidence that belied his age. His fearless performances in tight road games, including a 24-point outburst at Virginia Tech, showcased his immense potential.
Mark Mitchell – The Two-Way Glue
Mitchell blossomed into a versatile forward who impacted the game in every facet. Defensively, he often guarded the opposing team’s best player. Offensively, he found his rhythm as a slasher and midrange shooter. His averages of 12.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game were crucial, but his intangibles—effort, communication, and composure—were even more important.
Sean Stewart and Caleb Foster – Bench Sparkplugs
Duke’s depth was a significant advantage, and Stewart and Foster provided energy and production off the bench. Stewart, in particular, made his name with thunderous dunks and elite rebounding in key moments. Foster filled in admirably as a secondary ball handler and perimeter shooter.
Sweeping Through the ACC Tournament
Winning the ACC Regular Season title was a statement. Winning the ACC Tournament was a coronation. The Blue Devils entered the tournament in Greensboro with a target on their backs and a clear mission: finish what they started.
After earning a double-bye, Duke opened tournament play with a convincing quarterfinal win over NC State. Their defense stifled the Wolfpack, holding them to under 60 points and forcing 16 turnovers. It was a vintage performance—swarming help defense, crisp rotations, and transition offense.
In the semifinals, Duke faced archrival North Carolina in a matchup that had all the intensity and stakes of a national title game. UNC had dealt Duke one of its few regular-season losses and entered the tournament with a chip on its shoulder. But this time, Duke would not be denied. In front of a packed and divided crowd, Proctor and McCain combined for 38 points while Mitchell neutralized Tar Heel star Harrison Ingram. The 72–66 win sent Blue Devil Nation into a frenzy.
In the championship game, Duke met Miami, a team known for its explosive offense and tournament experience. But the Blue Devils controlled the tempo from the opening tip, with Stewart delivering an electrifying performance off the bench. A 12–0 second-half run fueled by three consecutive McCain triples blew the game open, and Duke never looked back. They won the ACC Tournament Championship 81–68, claiming their first double (regular season and tournament) championship since 2010.
Jon Scheyer’s Evolution as Head Coach
Much has been said about the pressure of following a legend. When Jon Scheyer took over in 2022, he inherited the kingdom of Coach K, a towering figure in college basketball history. Scheyer was a beloved former player and assistant coach, but the weight of expectations was immense.
This season, Scheyer fully came into his own. He showed tactical acumen, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with players on a personal level. His trust in his veterans and his confidence in his freshmen were both rewarded. In tight moments, he called the right plays. In practices, he preached accountability. And in the spotlight of March, he showed the calm of a seasoned leader.
More importantly, Scheyer made Duke fun to watch again. His team played with joy and purpose, unselfishness and toughness. The Blue Devils weren’t just winning—they were winning the Duke way.
The Cameron Crazies and Fan Support
No conversation about Duke’s success this year would be complete without mentioning the unmatched energy of Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Cameron Crazies were in peak form, creating a raucous and electric environment all season long.
From themed nights to choreographed chants, Duke’s student section played its role in protecting the home court. The Blue Devils went 15–1 at Cameron this year, feeding off the emotion of their fans and delivering thrilling victories in return. ESPN game day broadcasts turned into weekly showcases of what makes Duke basketball special.
Across the country, the Duke fan base swelled with pride. Alumni events were packed, social media buzzed with highlights, and former Blue Devil greats—from Grant Hill to Jayson Tatum—voiced their admiration for the team’s unity and passion.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament
With the ACC titles in hand, the next frontier for Duke is clear: cutting down the nets in April. The Blue Devils earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and entered March Madness as one of the nation’s hottest teams.
Their path won’t be easy—bluebloods, upstarts, and Cinderella hopefuls all stand in their way—but Duke’s combination of talent, depth, and experience gives them a legitimate shot at a Final Four run. Proctor is playing the best basketball of his career, the freshmen have grown into dependable contributors, and the team’s defense has become a calling card.
March is unpredictable, but this year, Duke is built for the madness. They have the leadership. They have the depth. And they have the hunger.
Legacy of the 2024–25 Season
Win or lose in the NCAA Tournament, this season has already secured its place in Duke basketball lore. It was a year of redemption, of reestablishing dominance, and of building something sustainable. The banners that will hang in Cameron Indoor Stadium—2025 ACC Regular Season Champions, 2025 ACC Tournament Champions—are physical reminders of the excellence achieved.
But the legacy goes deeper.
This was the year that Jon Scheyer stepped out of Coach K’s shadow and into his own spotlight. The year that Tyrese Proctor cemented his place among the great Duke guards. The year that a group of unselfish, hardworking players came together to form something bigger than themselves.
And perhaps, most importantly, it was a year that reminded college basketball just how powerful, thrilling, and resilient the Duke Blue Devils can be.
Final Thoughts
For decades, Duke basketball has been synonymous with success. But even the most storied programs must go through transition periods, and not every chapter can be written in gold ink. What makes this season so special is how it combined the tradition of the past with the promise of the future.
The 2024–25 Duke Blue Devils didn’t just win games—they restored belief. They played with fire, fought through adversity, and made Blue Devil Nation proud at every turn. As the confetti fell in Greensboro and players hugged at center court, one thing was clear: