Everything we’ve covered about the 2024–25 Duke men’s basketball season

The 2024-25 season for Duke men’s basketball is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated years in recent memory. With the Blue Devils continuing to dominate the college basketball scene, this season promises to bring excitement, drama, and plenty of memorable moments. The Duke men’s basketball program has a rich history of success, consistently competing for national championships, and this season is no different. Led by head coach Jon Scheyer, who enters his second year at the helm after replacing the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils are looking to build on their successes and take the next step toward returning to the pinnacle of college basketball.

Duke’s recruiting class has once again been a major talking point in the lead-up to the season, with the program securing some of the top high school talent in the country. As one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, Duke continues to attract top-tier recruits, and this year’s class is no exception. The Blue Devils’ incoming players are already making waves in the preseason, with a few of them expected to make an immediate impact. This infusion of talent will be crucial to Duke’s success, as they look to replace some key departures from the previous season’s roster.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2024-25 season is the development of returning players. Duke has a strong mix of veterans and fresh faces, and much of the success of this season will depend on how the returning players step up and provide leadership. Players like Jeremy Roach, who has been a key figure in Duke’s backcourt over the past couple of years, will be asked to take on an even more prominent role. Roach’s experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Blue Devils, and his ability to play both as a scorer and a facilitator will be critical to their success.

Additionally, Duke’s frontcourt will be bolstered by the return of several important players. With an emphasis on defense and rebounding, Duke’s big men will be tasked with controlling the paint and being forces on both ends of the floor. Players like Mark Mitchell and Kyle Filipowski, who showed promise in their first year, will be expected to take the next step in their development and provide consistent production. Their ability to complement the team’s guards and wing players will be a key factor in Duke’s quest for another national title.

While the returning players will be crucial, Duke’s recruiting class is where the excitement truly lies. The Blue Devils are bringing in some of the most highly regarded high school prospects in the nation, and each one of them has the potential to make an immediate impact. Players like Jaden Schutt, Caleb Foster, and McKoy Thain are expected to provide depth, scoring, and versatility. Schutt, in particular, has drawn attention for his scoring ability and shooting prowess, and his outside shooting could be a major asset for a Duke team that will rely heavily on spacing and offensive efficiency. Foster, a talented point guard, will add another layer of depth to Duke’s backcourt and could challenge for a starting role alongside Roach.

As the season progresses, the Blue Devils will face a tough schedule that will test their mettle. The ACC is always one of the most competitive conferences in the country, and Duke will need to be at its best to contend for the conference title. They will also face non-conference opponents that will provide stiff competition, including some of the top programs in college basketball. Each game will be a test of Duke’s ability to execute, play together, and overcome adversity. How the team handles these challenges will ultimately determine how far they can go in March.

For Coach Scheyer, the 2024-25 season represents an important step in his tenure as head coach. After taking over for Krzyzewski in 2023, Scheyer has had the difficult task of following in the footsteps of one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. However, Scheyer has shown that he is more than capable of leading the Blue Devils. His ability to relate to players, implement modern coaching strategies, and maintain the high standards of the Duke basketball program has earned him respect throughout the college basketball community. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Scheyer to see how he continues to grow as a head coach and how he shapes the future of Duke basketball.

One of the key storylines for the Blue Devils this season will be how they balance offensive efficiency with defensive intensity. Duke has always been known for its tenacious defense, and under Scheyer, the team is expected to continue that tradition. The Blue Devils will focus on creating turnovers, getting out in transition, and disrupting the opponent’s offensive flow. However, they will also need to find offensive balance, particularly from the perimeter. Duke’s ability to shoot from the outside and space the floor will be critical, especially against teams that pack the paint and force the Blue Devils to beat them with outside shooting.

Another area where Duke will look to improve is their depth. Last season, injuries and fatigue took a toll on the team’s performance, particularly in the latter stages of the season. This year, with a deep roster filled with talented players at every position, Duke will need to manage minutes effectively and ensure that their players stay fresh throughout the grueling schedule. The depth of the team will allow for more rotations and flexibility, giving Coach Scheyer the ability to adjust lineups and matchups as needed.

While Duke is a perennial contender, they will face stiff competition this season from several other top-tier programs. The likes of Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina will all be vying for national supremacy, and every game will be an opportunity for the Blue Devils to prove themselves on the national stage. The Blue Devils’ strength of schedule will be challenging, and how they handle adversity and tough matchups will be a key factor in their success. The team will need to remain focused on their goals and execute with precision as they move through the season.

As the season goes on, it will be interesting to see how Duke’s identity develops. Will they rely heavily on their freshman class, or will the veteran players lead the charge? How will the team handle the pressure of being one of the favorites to win the national championship? These are questions that will be answered over the course of the season, and with the talent they have on the roster, the Blue Devils will be in contention for the top spot.

Duke’s 2024-25 season is full of promise, excitement, and the potential for greatness. With a mix of talented newcomers, experienced returners, and a coaching staff committed to maintaining the program’s high standards, the Blue Devils are poised for a successful campaign. As the season progresses, Duke fans will continue to follow the journey with excitement, hoping to see their team rise to the top of the college basketball world once again. Whether it’s the team’s defense, offense, or individual players stepping up, this season has the potential to be one of the most memorable in Duke basketball history. As March approaches, the Blue Devils will have their eyes firmly set on a return to the Final Four and ultimately, another national championship. With a talented roster and a solid coaching staff, Duke is more than capable of making that goal a reality. The 2024-25 season promises to be a thrilling ride for Duke fans, and the team is determined to deliver.