Duke Basketball’s Final Four Opponent Now Set in Stone

Duke University’s basketball team has long been one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, consistently standing among the nation’s elite. From legendary coaches like Mike Krzyzewski to a roster of basketball greats, the Blue Devils’ presence on the national stage has been undeniable for decades. In 2025, the program has reached another critical milestone: the Final Four. The team’s journey through the tournament this year has been filled with dramatic moments, impressive performances, and a determination that resonates with the legacy of the Blue Devils.

As the team heads into the Final Four, the only question left to answer is who will they face? After a nail-biting conclusion to the Elite Eight, Duke’s opponent in the semifinals has now been confirmed, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Duke’s Road to the Final Four

The path to the Final Four is never easy, and this year was no exception for Duke. The Blue Devils entered the NCAA tournament with high expectations, coming off a strong regular season performance that saw them near the top of the ACC standings. Led by a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and promising young talent, Coach Jon Scheyer’s team was poised for a deep tournament run.

In the opening rounds, Duke’s defense stood as the hallmark of its game. The Blue Devils were relentless on that end of the floor, forcing turnovers and suffocating their opponents in the half-court. Offensively, their balanced attack, led by standout freshman guards and a versatile frontcourt, helped them pull away from their competitors in each matchup.

In the Sweet 16, Duke faced a tough challenge against a physical team from the Big Ten. While the game was hard-fought, the Blue Devils’ composure and poise under pressure proved to be the deciding factor. They outlasted their opponents in a thrilling contest that ended with Duke emerging victorious by a narrow margin, showcasing their ability to execute in clutch moments.

The Elite Eight – A Thriller That Defined Their Resolve

In the Elite Eight, Duke faced what was perhaps their most formidable opponent of the tournament—a program with a tradition of success and a roster stacked with NBA-ready talent. From the outset, it was clear this game would be no easy ride. The opponent matched Duke’s intensity, and both teams were locked in a back-and-forth battle for most of the game.

Duke’s defense, however, rose to the occasion. The Blue Devils disrupted the rhythm of their adversary’s offense, forcing key turnovers in crucial moments. On the offensive side, it was the steady leadership of Duke’s point guard, a player who has emerged as a clutch performer throughout the tournament, that kept the team in the game.

The final few minutes were filled with drama. With the game tied and only seconds remaining on the clock, Duke had one last chance to either win or force overtime. A designed play led to an open look for their star forward, who drove the lane and made a contested layup as time expired, sending the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

Who Will Duke Face in the Final Four?

Now, with their place in the Final Four secured, Duke’s opponent has been set in stone. After the conclusion of all the regional finals, it was confirmed that the Blue Devils will square off against the University of Kansas Jayhawks, the reigning national champions.

The Jayhawks have had a similarly impressive run in the tournament. With a roster full of talented players who are capable of dominating both ends of the floor, Kansas has been a force throughout the postseason. Under the leadership of their experienced head coach, the Jayhawks have navigated their way to the Final Four with remarkable efficiency.

Kansas’s journey to this point has been marked by their consistency on both offense and defense. Their ability to control the tempo of games, combined with a well-rounded attack, has made them a tough matchup for any team. While they had a few close calls along the way, Kansas has been able to make the plays necessary to advance. The Jayhawks feature one of the nation’s top guards, who has been nearly unstoppable throughout the tournament. His ability to score from all areas of the floor, along with his playmaking skills, has been a major factor in Kansas’s success.

For Duke, facing Kansas will be a monumental test. The Jayhawks’ blend of experience, skill, and size will challenge Duke in ways that their previous opponents couldn’t. But that’s exactly the type of challenge that Coach Jon Scheyer and his Blue Devils relish. The opportunity to play against the defending national champions offers the perfect stage for Duke to prove they belong among the best.

Key Matchups to Watch

There are several key matchups in this game that could determine the outcome. For Duke, the battle in the paint will be crucial. Kansas boasts a formidable frontcourt that includes one of the top big men in college basketball. Duke’s defense will need to be at its best, limiting second-chance opportunities and contesting every shot in the paint. The Blue Devils’ athleticism and length should give them an edge in this regard, but they’ll need to remain disciplined.

Another key matchup will be the point guard duel between Duke’s dynamic playmaker and Kansas’s star guard. Both players have been the catalysts for their respective teams, and whoever can impose their will on the game will likely swing momentum in their team’s favor. Duke’s point guard is known for his ability to control the pace and make clutch plays, so it will be fascinating to see how he matches up against Kansas’s defensive schemes.

Finally, Duke’s ability to hit outside shots will be a critical factor. While the Blue Devils have a well-balanced offense, their three-point shooting can be streaky at times. If they can get hot from beyond the arc, it will open up driving lanes and force Kansas to adjust their defense. Conversely, Kansas’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot from deep will put pressure on Duke’s perimeter defense, making it a battle of who can control the three-point line.

The Legacy of Coach Jon Scheyer

Jon Scheyer, now in his second year as Duke’s head coach, has been nothing short of impressive in leading his team to this point. Taking over the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski was never going to be easy, but Scheyer has embraced the challenge with poise and confidence.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes unselfish play, strong defense, and efficient offensive execution—traits that have been evident in Duke’s run to the Final Four. What stands out most, however, is Scheyer’s ability to get the best out of his players, both veterans and newcomers alike. Under his leadership, Duke has blended experience and youth seamlessly, creating a cohesive team that knows how to win under pressure.

For Scheyer, reaching the Final Four is not just a personal achievement; it’s a statement about his ability to continue Duke’s basketball legacy. His calm demeanor and ability to adjust on the fly have earned him the respect of his players and the broader college basketball community. No matter the outcome of the Final Four, Scheyer’s coaching career has already taken an exciting turn, and Duke’s future looks incredibly bright under his guidance.

What’s at Stake

With the Final Four now set, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Duke. A victory over Kansas would not only propel the Blue Devils into the championship game but would also solidify their status as one of the best programs in college basketball. Duke fans are hungry for another national title, and this team has the talent and determination to deliver on that promise.

For the players, the opportunity to wear the Duke blue and compete for a national title is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Final Four represents the pinnacle of their college basketball careers, and they are ready to leave it all on the court.