The Duke Blue Devils are one of the most storied programs in NCAA Division I basketball history. With five national championships and numerous accolades to their name, the expectations are always high in Durham, North Carolina. The 2024-25 season is no exception. After a season that saw the Blue Devils fall just short of the ultimate prize, this year promises to be a pivotal moment in the post-Coach K era, with Jon Scheyer firmly at the helm for his second season as head coach.
Scheyer has already made a significant impact on the program, keeping Duke competitive at the highest levels. Now, with a new group of highly talented players, both returning and incoming, expectations are sky-high. Let’s dive into the key storylines, players, and matchups that will define Duke’s 2024-25 season and what fans can expect from this new chapter of Blue Devils basketball.
The Impact of Jon Scheyer’s Second Year
Jon Scheyer’s first year as head coach of Duke was filled with challenges and growing pains. The team displayed immense potential, but inconsistency and youth sometimes hindered their ability to reach the highest heights. However, despite the ups and downs, Scheyer showed he was more than capable of navigating the complexities of leading one of the most successful programs in college basketball.
In his second season, Scheyer will look to build on the foundation laid during the 2023-24 campaign, with a renewed sense of continuity and a better understanding of his players’ strengths and weaknesses. Scheyer has proven himself to be an astute recruiter, but this year’s roster promises to showcase more of his development as a coach. This season is likely to serve as a litmus test for his ability to maintain Duke’s championship pedigree and to build a team that can compete for both the ACC title and a national championship.
With a strong mix of returning players and new talent, Scheyer has the pieces to work with. However, his success will depend largely on his ability to harness that talent and implement a cohesive system that maximizes the strengths of his players while minimizing weaknesses.
The Key Players for Duke in 2024-25
As always, Duke’s roster for the 2024-25 season is packed with future NBA talent, both returning and incoming. This year, the Blue Devils will have a blend of experience and youth, which could make them one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
1. Kyle Filipowski (Sophomore, Forward)
Kyle Filipowski is the centerpiece of Duke’s roster heading into the 2024-25 season. After a standout freshman year, Filipowski is expected to take on an even larger role for the Blue Devils this season. His ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and score inside makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Standing at 7 feet tall, Filipowski’s versatility allows him to play both inside and on the perimeter, giving Duke a unique offensive weapon.
Filipowski’s performance last season demonstrated that he is more than capable of being the focal point of Duke’s offense. He averaged a solid 14.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, earning All-ACC honors and the respect of his peers. In his sophomore year, he will need to be even more consistent, especially on the defensive end, to help Duke reach its championship aspirations.
2. Tyrese Proctor (Sophomore, Guard)
Tyrese Proctor emerged as one of Duke’s most promising players in his freshman year. As a guard with excellent court vision, scoring ability, and defensive tenacity, Proctor is poised to take on an even bigger role in 2024-25. With his ability to run the point guard position while also being able to score and facilitate, Proctor is the type of player that can elevate Duke’s offense to the next level.
Proctor’s improvement in his sophomore year will be crucial for the Blue Devils, especially in their pursuit of a deep run in March. He has shown the ability to guard multiple positions and make plays under pressure. As a potential first-round NBA draft pick, Proctor’s development will be key for Jon Scheyer’s squad this season.
3. Jaden Schutt (Sophomore, Guard)
Jaden Schutt was one of the top freshmen for Duke in the 2023-24 season. With excellent three-point shooting and an ability to score in a variety of ways, Schutt brings much-needed depth and floor spacing to the Duke roster. As a sharp shooter, Schutt has the potential to be a game-changer for the Blue Devils, especially in crucial moments.
In his second season, Schutt will need to refine his defensive skills and increase his consistency on the offensive end. If he can become a reliable three-point threat and improve defensively, Schutt will be a key player in Duke’s quest for a national title.
4. Cooper Flagg (Freshman, Forward)
The biggest addition to the Blue Devils’ roster in 2024-25 is the highly anticipated Cooper Flagg. One of the most hyped high school prospects in recent memory, Flagg is a do-it-all forward with elite defensive abilities and an expanding offensive game. Standing at 6’8” and possessing a rare combination of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ, Flagg has the potential to be an immediate star in college basketball.
Flagg’s recruitment was a major victory for Jon Scheyer and the Duke program, and many expect him to have an immediate impact as a freshman. His ability to score, rebound, block shots, and facilitate make him one of the most complete players in the country. If Flagg can quickly adjust to the collegiate game, he could be one of the most exciting players to watch this season.
5. Mark Mitchell (Sophomore, Forward)
Mark Mitchell is another player to keep an eye on for the 2024-25 season. The 6’8” forward has a strong all-around game and brings both defensive versatility and offensive efficiency to the Blue Devils. He is a powerful player who can defend multiple positions and create mismatches offensively. After a solid freshman season, Mitchell will need to step up in his sophomore year as a key contributor.
Mitchell’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute in a variety of areas will make him an invaluable asset for Duke this season. With a growing skill set, Mitchell has the potential to break out and become one of the team’s leaders on both ends of the court.
Team Chemistry and Development
In addition to the talented individuals on the roster, Duke’s success in the 2024-25 season will depend on how well the players gel together as a unit. Team chemistry has been a hallmark of successful Duke teams in the past, and Jon Scheyer will need to continue fostering a collaborative and competitive atmosphere to maximize his players’ potential.
The Blue Devils’ mixture of experienced returnees and incoming freshmen could be a double-edged sword. While it provides a wealth of talent, it could also take time for the players to find the right balance and cohesion on the court. Developing strong team chemistry will be crucial, especially when facing off against the juggernauts of the ACC and the nation.
Key Games and Rivalries to Watch
Duke’s 2024-25 schedule is filled with high-stakes matchups, both in the ACC and beyond. Here are a few key games and rivalries that will be critical for the Blue Devils’ title hopes:
1. Duke vs. North Carolina (ACC Rivalry)
The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina is one of the most intense and storied in all of college basketball. This season, with both teams having young, talented rosters, the stakes will be higher than ever. The games between these two teams will be crucial not only for ACC positioning but also for NCAA Tournament seeding. With Cooper Flagg making his Duke debut, fans are eagerly anticipating this matchup.
2. Duke vs. Kansas (Non-Conference)
In a showdown of national powerhouses, Duke will take on Kansas in a highly anticipated non-conference game. Both teams will be loaded with talent, and this game could provide an early glimpse of where the Blue Devils stand in the national landscape. The outcome of this game could have major implications for Duke’s standing as one of the top teams in the country heading into conference play.
3. Duke vs. Virginia (ACC)
Virginia, with its always stingy defense, will provide a stiff test for the Blue Devils in the ACC. Duke will need to be efficient on offense and disciplined on defense if they hope to take down the Cavaliers, who will be looking to challenge for the ACC title once again. This game will test Duke’s ability to adapt to different styles of play and could be pivotal in determining their seed for the NCAA Tournament.