BREAKING: Duke Basketball Announces Starting Lineup Against Mountaineers

BREAKING: Duke Basketball Announces Starting Lineup Against Mountaineers

The Duke Blue Devils have officially announced their starting lineup for tonight’s highly anticipated matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers. As the two teams prepare to face off in what promises to be a thrilling contest, the excitement surrounding the game is palpable. With both teams coming into the game with high expectations, the starting lineup announcement is crucial in setting the tone for the matchup. Here, we delve into the details of Duke’s starting five, analyze what each player brings to the court, and explore the significance of this lineup for the game.

Duke Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence

Before we break down the starting lineup, it’s important to remember the context within which this announcement is taking place. Duke University is synonymous with basketball excellence. From the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski to the plethora of NBA stars that have donned the Blue Devil jersey, Duke has been a staple of college basketball’s elite for decades. The program’s rich history, complete with national championships, All-American players, and a fanbase that spans across the globe, makes every game a must-watch event.

Duke’s dominance in the ACC and their consistent presence in the NCAA tournament make every season one filled with anticipation. With the 2025 season underway, expectations are as high as ever for the Blue Devils, who are looking to assert themselves as one of the top teams in the country. Their upcoming game against the West Virginia Mountaineers is a chance to showcase their talent and continue building momentum towards a successful season.

The Matchup: Duke vs. West Virginia

The Blue Devils will face a tough challenge in the Mountaineers. West Virginia, led by head coach Bob Huggins, is known for its gritty, defensive style of play. The Mountaineers have been a staple in the NCAA tournament in recent years and are consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the Big 12. With a combination of veteran leadership and young talent, West Virginia will bring a balanced approach to the floor against Duke.

For Duke, this game is an opportunity to demonstrate their depth and skill. The Blue Devils have been impressive early in the season, but facing a physically tough and well-coached team like West Virginia will test their mettle. A strong performance in this game will be crucial for Duke as they aim to position themselves for a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Duke’s Starting Lineup: Breaking It Down

With the game just hours away, Coach Jon Scheyer, in his second season at the helm of Duke basketball, has revealed his starting five for the game against the Mountaineers. The lineup is a mix of returning players and exciting newcomers, offering a blend of experience and raw talent. Let’s break down each player in the starting lineup and what they bring to the table.

1. Jeremy Roach – Point Guard (6’2″, Senior)

Jeremy Roach, the senior point guard, will once again take the floor as the leader of Duke’s offense. Roach, a key figure on last season’s team, has developed into one of the premier guards in college basketball. His ability to run the offense, make plays for others, and score in a variety of ways makes him the engine that drives the Blue Devils. Roach is known for his leadership qualities and his ability to perform in clutch moments, which is why he has been entrusted with running the point for Duke.

In the 2025 season, Roach has continued to impress, showcasing his scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, as well as his ability to get to the rim. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he is capable of making every player on the floor better. Against West Virginia, Roach’s poise and decision-making will be crucial, especially when dealing with the Mountaineers’ high-pressure defense.

2. Tyrese Proctor – Shooting Guard (6’5″, Freshman)

Tyrese Proctor, the 6’5″ freshman shooting guard from Australia, has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in college basketball. Proctor is a highly skilled guard who can play both on and off the ball. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability makes him a versatile weapon for Duke.

Proctor is an explosive scorer who has the ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the floor. He is particularly dangerous from three-point range, where he has shown the ability to stretch the defense and provide space for his teammates. His defensive capabilities, particularly his on-ball pressure, have also been a key component of Duke’s early success.

Against West Virginia, Proctor will need to use his size and athleticism to exploit mismatches and create scoring opportunities. His ability to defend against the Mountaineers’ backcourt will also be critical, as West Virginia is known for its physical guards.

3. Kyle Filipowski – Power Forward (7’0″, Sophomore)

Kyle Filipowski, the 7-foot sophomore power forward, is one of the most intriguing players in college basketball. Filipowski’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Last season, he showed flashes of greatness, earning All-ACC honors and establishing himself as one of the top big men in the country.

Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, coupled with his dominance in the post, makes him a difficult player to defend. He is also an elite rebounder and shot blocker, providing Duke with much-needed rim protection. His versatility allows him to play both inside and out, making him a key cog in Duke’s offensive and defensive schemes.

Against West Virginia, Filipowski’s ability to control the paint will be crucial. The Mountaineers’ bigs are physical and tough, so Filipowski’s strength and skill will be tested. However, his presence on both ends of the floor will give Duke a significant advantage.

4. Mark Mitchell – Small Forward (6’8″, Freshman)

Mark Mitchell, the 6’8″ freshman small forward, is another player to watch in this Duke lineup. Mitchell has been an early standout, impressing both in practices and games. He’s known for his ability to play above the rim, his athleticism, and his defensive prowess. On offense, Mitchell has shown a developing jump shot and the ability to score in transition.

Mitchell’s size and length make him a valuable asset on the defensive end, where he has the ability to guard multiple positions. He is also an excellent rebounder, especially on the offensive glass, where his hustle and instincts allow him to create second-chance opportunities for Duke.

In this game, Mitchell’s ability to match up with West Virginia’s wings will be important. His athleticism and versatility will be key in both defending the Mountaineers’ top scorers and contributing to Duke’s transition game.

5. Derek Lively II – Center (7’1″, Freshman)

Derek Lively II, the 7’1″ freshman center, is one of the most highly touted recruits in the country. Lively is an elite shot-blocker and a dominant presence in the paint. His size and length make him a force on the defensive end, while his ability to finish at the rim on offense adds another dimension to Duke’s attack.

Lively’s defensive skills are what set him apart. His shot-blocking ability, coupled with his rebounding prowess, will be vital for Duke against West Virginia’s physical frontcourt. Lively has the potential to be a game-changer on both ends of the floor, and his ability to protect the rim will be critical in this matchup.

Against the Mountaineers, Lively will have to contend with West Virginia’s tough big men. His ability to alter shots and control the paint will be essential if Duke is to maintain defensive integrity throughout the game.

Coaching Strategy: Jon Scheyer’s Vision for Success

As the head coach of Duke, Jon Scheyer has quickly made a name for himself in his second season. Scheyer, who played under Coach Krzyzewski during his college days, has brought a modern, fast-paced style of play to the Blue Devils. His emphasis on ball movement, defensive intensity, and a balanced offensive attack has helped Duke return to national prominence.

Against West Virginia, Scheyer will need to implement a strategy that takes advantage of Duke’s strengths while neutralizing the Mountaineers’ tough, defensive mindset. This includes making sure that the Blue Devils move the ball quickly to break down West Virginia’s defense and using their size advantage inside to establish dominance in the paint. Additionally, Duke will need to control the tempo of the game, ensuring that the Mountaineers do not dictate the pace with their physical, hard-nosed style of play.

Key Matchups to Watch

Jeremy Roach vs. West Virginia’s Point Guard: Roach’s leadership and decision-making will be crucial in controlling the game’s tempo. West Virginia’s point guard will be tasked with trying to slow Roach down, making this an important individual battle.
Kyle Filipowski vs. West Virginia’s Bigs: Filipowski’s versatility and skill will be tested against West Virginia’s physical bigs. His ability to score inside and stretch the floor will be pivotal.
Derek Lively II vs. West Virginia’s Rebounding: Lively’s ability to control the boards and protect the rim will be a key factor in whether Duke can neutralize West Virginia’s offensive and defensive rebounding advantages.