In a conference where athletic excellence is a baseline expectation and academic performance is often overshadowed by buzzer-beaters and highlight dunks, Duke University once again sets a standard for balance. This spring, Duke Men’s Basketball proved that it is not only a powerhouse on the hardwood but also in the classroom, landing seven players on the 2025 All-ACC Academic Men’s Basketball Team—more than any other program in the conference.
In a season dominated by elite play from Blue Devil stars like Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, and Caleb Foster, it might be easy for fans and media to overlook the academic grind that takes place behind the scenes. But this year’s All-ACC Academic Team selections serve as a timely reminder: success at Duke is measured not only in wins but in GPAs, time management, and intellectual rigor.
The Atlantic Coast Conference, widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in college basketball, honors student-athletes each year who achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in the current academic year and over their career, while also contributing on the court. For a program that already commands national attention for its recruiting wins, Final Four appearances, and NBA draftees, earning a conference-best seven honorees is a reflection of the holistic excellence head coach Jon Scheyer has instilled in Durham.
This year’s Duke honorees include Cooper Flagg, Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, Sean Stewart, Jaden Schutt, and Christian Reeves. Each of these young men has not only represented Duke with class on the court but has also demonstrated relentless commitment to their studies—despite the grueling schedule of a Division I athlete.
For Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 freshman in the nation and already being touted as a future No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, academic honors might seem like an afterthought to some. But not to him. In interviews throughout the season, Flagg consistently emphasized the importance of staying grounded, giving credit to his family, mentors, and Duke’s academic advisors for helping him transition to college life with poise and purpose. A native of Newport, Maine, Flagg entered Duke under the microscope but embraced the challenge with a scholar’s curiosity. He is currently majoring in public policy, expressing interest in understanding sports governance and the intersection of athletics and social impact. That intellectual curiosity mirrors his high basketball IQ and drive for perfection.
Jared McCain, the charismatic guard known for his clutch play and vibrant off-court personality, also made the list. A fan-favorite on social media, McCain has amassed millions of followers thanks to his positive attitude and daily routines—but he never lets his online presence detract from his responsibilities as a student-athlete. McCain is majoring in psychology and has shown a deep interest in performance mental health, even partnering with Duke researchers to better understand the mental demands placed on elite athletes. His work ethic is often described as “relentless” by teammates and professors alike.
Caleb Foster, another key contributor to Duke’s deep tournament run this season, balances his pre-med track with one of the most complex positions on the court: point guard. Tasked with leading the offense and managing tempo, Foster has drawn comparisons to some of Duke’s best floor generals, yet it’s his ability to lead with empathy and awareness off the court that truly sets him apart. He’s currently involved in community outreach programs that connect Duke athletes with Durham youth, often tutoring high school students in STEM subjects and sharing his own journey of balancing sports and academics.
Tyrese Proctor, a seasoned international talent from Australia, rounds out a core group of players who represent the fusion of basketball brilliance and scholarly ambition. Known for his smooth jumper and court vision, Proctor is also admired for his thoughtful approach to team dynamics and leadership. Off the court, he’s studying political science with an emphasis on international relations, and he’s been actively engaged in discussions around student-athlete rights and global sports diplomacy. His journey to Duke wasn’t just about improving his draft stock—it was about expanding his worldview.
Sean Stewart and Jaden Schutt, both known for their energy and versatility, are proof that excellence runs deep on Duke’s roster. Stewart, a freshman forward, came to Duke with a reputation for being a grinder—someone who may not always make the front page but whose contributions in practice and games are vital. What many don’t know is that Stewart is also pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering. His academic work, focused on sports injury prevention, has impressed even his professors. Meanwhile, Schutt, a sharpshooter who has embraced his role as a culture-builder on the team, continues to thrive academically while majoring in economics. He’s described by teammates as “one of the most dependable guys” and has expressed interest in pursuing sports analytics post-college.
Lastly, there’s Christian Reeves, the 7-foot center who made headlines this year for his remarkable progress and breakout performances during crucial ACC matchups. Behind that towering frame is a thoughtful, quiet leader who spends just as much time in study halls as he does in the weight room. Reeves is majoring in sociology and is especially interested in the role of sports in shaping youth identity. Despite dealing with early injuries and limited minutes last season, Reeves remained focused on his studies, building a foundation that earned him this prestigious recognition.
For head coach Jon Scheyer, the academic success of his players isn’t just a bonus—it’s a priority. Since taking over from Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has championed a culture where academic achievement is held in the same esteem as a tournament win. “We recruit players who are not only committed to being the best on the court but who also want to challenge themselves in the classroom,” Scheyer said earlier this season. “These young men are extraordinary. What they’re doing day in and day out is hard, and they’re doing it with humility and heart.”
Scheyer, himself a former academic standout during his playing days at Duke, works closely with the university’s academic support team to ensure players have access to tutoring, mental health resources, and time management tools. The players regularly attend structured study hall sessions, work with advisors, and even take summer classes to stay ahead. For many of them, the workload is comparable to that of any top academic program in the country, made even more challenging by travel demands and national spotlight.
Duke’s dominance on the All-ACC Academic Team is especially noteworthy when considering the broader context of collegiate athletics today. With NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities expanding and professional pathways opening earlier than ever, many top athletes might be tempted to coast academically. But at Duke, players are actively encouraged to embrace their academic identities. In fact, several of this year’s honorees are also engaged in business ventures, media training, and personal development programs supported by Duke’s NIL infrastructure—all while maintaining their high GPAs.
This year’s success also builds on a long tradition. Duke has long been viewed as a program where “student” still comes first in “student-athlete.” Legends like Grant Hill, Shane Battier, and J.J. Redick all excelled in the classroom before moving on to long professional careers. Today’s crop of Blue Devils is living up to that legacy, showing that it’s possible to dominate the game and ace the exam in the same week.
More than anything, this group’s achievement sends a powerful message—not just to future recruits, but to the sport at large. In a time when college basketball is evolving rapidly, when the value of education is sometimes questioned in light of professional opportunity, Duke’s seven honorees are proof that commitment to academics is not a relic of the past, but a cornerstone of lasting success.
As the Blue Devils look toward next season, they’ll do so with the knowledge that their culture is thriving on every level. The incoming recruiting class, already ranked among the best in the nation, will enter a program where academic accountability is a shared value, and where leaders like Flagg, Proctor, and McCain set examples that extend beyond Cameron Indoor Stadium.
These seven All-ACC Academic Team members represent more than individual accolades—they are the embodiment of what makes Duke Basketball one of the most respected programs in the nation. They are brains and buckets, discipline and dedication. In short, they are the gold standard.
And in Durham, that’s just the Duke way.