The Duke Blue Devils entered the 2024–25 college basketball season with high expectations, boasting a talented roster led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg and a strong supporting cast. Ranked No. 7 in the preseason AP Top 25, Duke was poised to contend for a national title. However, despite their promising start and impressive regular-season performance, the Blue Devils’ journey ended in disappointment as they fell short of their championship aspirations.(
Under the guidance of third-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke concluded the regular season with a 28–3 record, dominating the ACC with a 19–1 conference record. Their campaign was highlighted by a victory in the ACC Tournament, where they secured the title with a 73–62 win over Louisville in the final. This success earned them a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, entering the postseason with momentum and confidence.
In the NCAA Tournament, Duke showcased their prowess by defeating Mount St. Mary’s, Baylor, and Arizona, advancing to the Final Four. Their journey culminated in a narrow 70–67 loss to Houston, ending their season with a 35–4 record and a third-place finish in the final AP Poll. While the team’s performance was commendable, the loss in the semifinals was a bitter pill to swallow, leaving fans and players alike to reflect on what could have been.
The 2024–25 season was marked by significant roster changes, with several key players departing. Notably, consensus second-team All-American Kyle Filipowski and ACC All-Freshman selection Jared McCain declared for the NBA Draft, leaving voids in the team’s lineup. Graduate big man Ryan Young also ran out of eligibility, further depleting Duke’s experienced core. These departures left Duke with only three returning scholarship players, including Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, who were expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season
To address these gaps, Coach Scheyer relied heavily on a highly anticipated freshman class. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1-ranked prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, was expected to make an immediate impact. Flagg did not disappoint, earning a spot on the preseason All-America Team and ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year honors. He delivered standout performances throughout the season, including a record-breaking 42-point game against Notre Dame, setting new freshman scoring records for both Duke University and the ACC. Flagg led the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocked shots, solidifying his status as a future star
Despite Flagg’s exceptional contributions, the team’s reliance on a predominantly freshman lineup presented challenges. The lack of experienced leadership and depth became evident during the latter stages of the season. In the Final Four matchup against Houston, Duke struggled to maintain their early-game intensity, ultimately falling short in a closely contested game. The absence of seasoned players to provide guidance and stability during critical moments highlighted the growing pains associated with a young roster.
The team’s performance also underscored the importance of depth in a championship run. While Flagg and other freshmen like Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach showed promise, the lack of experienced upperclassmen limited the team’s ability to sustain high-level play throughout the tournament. In contrast, teams with more seasoned rosters were able to navigate the pressures of the postseason more effectively, capitalizing on their experience to advance further
Looking ahead, the 2024–25 season served as a valuable learning experience for Duke. The team’s ability to compee at a high level despite roster turnover demonstrated the effectiveness of Coach Scheyer’s recruiting and development strategies. The emergence of young talents like Flagg provided a glimpse into the future of Duke basketball, offering hope for continued success in the coming seasons
In conclusion, while the 2024–25 Duke Blue Devils did not achieve their ultimate goal of a national championship, their season was far from a failure. The team’s resilience, talent, and potential for growth laid a strong foundation for future success. As Coach Scheyer continues to build and develop his program, Duke remains a formidable force in college basketball, with the promise of brighter days ahead.
