How Good Is Freshman Star-Powered Duke? The Blue Devils Could Go Undefeated
Duke University’s basketball program has long been synonymous with excellence. From its storied history of producing NBA talent to its annual battles for national championships, the Blue Devils are among the most decorated teams in college basketball. Heading into the 2024-2025 season, Duke enters with a roster that could be its most promising in years—primarily thanks to a freshman class that is stacked with potential and talent.
The question on the minds of basketball fans, analysts, and coaches alike is: how good is this Duke team, really? With a mixture of seasoned upperclassmen and a freshman class that rivals any in recent memory, could this Blue Devils squad go undefeated? Let’s take a closer look at their roster, their key players, and their prospects for the season ahead.
The Freshman Class: A New Era of Talent
If there’s one thing that sets Duke apart from most other college programs, it’s their ability to land some of the most talented recruits in the country. The 2024 recruiting class is no exception, with Coach Jon Scheyer managing to bring in several top-tier prospects that could make an immediate impact.
Leading the charge is Mikey Williams, a five-star shooting guard who is widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation. Williams, a highly skilled and athletic guard from San Diego, has drawn comparisons to some of the best to ever play the game. His ability to score from anywhere on the court—whether it’s from beyond the arc, mid-range, or driving to the basket—makes him a complete offensive weapon. What makes him even more dangerous is his defensive prowess, often locking down opposing players with ease.
Joining Williams in the backcourt is Jaden Ivey, another top-five recruit and an explosive guard known for his speed and scoring ability. Ivey’s athleticism, combined with his knack for getting to the rim, will be critical to Duke’s success. The tandem of Williams and Ivey gives Duke an incredibly dynamic duo in the backcourt, one that can attack in multiple ways while also controlling the pace of the game.
But the talent doesn’t stop there. Brandon Miller, a 6’9” forward, is a versatile big man who can stretch the floor and play both inside and out. His combination of size, shooting touch, and basketball IQ makes him a tough matchup for any team. In the paint, he can battle for rebounds and block shots, but it’s his perimeter shooting that makes him such a unique asset for Duke. Miller has drawn comparisons to former Duke standout Brandon Ingram, whose NBA career has flourished since leaving college.
Completing the freshman class are Dillon Mitchell, a skilled point guard with excellent court vision, and Cade Cunningham, a forward who adds further depth to Duke’s already stacked lineup. Cunningham’s defensive instincts and rebounding ability, coupled with his work ethic, will ensure that he contributes immediately to the team.
All in all, Duke’s freshman class is one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, with multiple players capable of making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
A Seasoned Core: Upperclassmen to Lead the Way
While the freshmen may dominate the headlines, Duke also boasts a strong group of upperclassmen who can provide leadership and stability to the team. The combination of young stars and experienced players gives Duke a well-rounded roster that will be difficult to beat.
Kyle Filipowski, a sophomore forward, is one of the most skilled big men in the country. Standing at 7 feet tall, Filipowski has the ability to score in the post, hit outside shots, and create plays for his teammates. His versatility and basketball IQ make him a focal point for Duke’s offense. In his freshman year, Filipowski showed flashes of brilliance, and heading into this season, he is poised to take on an even larger role.
Alongside Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, a junior guard, will play a crucial role as both a scorer and a facilitator. Proctor’s experience and leadership will help the freshmen navigate the high expectations that come with playing for a powerhouse program like Duke. As a solid shooter and a tenacious defender, Proctor will be relied upon to help manage the game, both offensively and defensively.
Then there’s Lively Jr., a 6’11” forward who can dominate defensively and protect the rim. Lively’s blocking ability has already earned him a reputation as one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball, and his presence in the paint will be a critical part of Duke’s defensive schemes. Lively’s skill set allows him to disrupt opposing offenses while also making plays in transition.
Jacob Grandison, a transfer from another powerhouse program, brings added experience and a veteran presence. Known for his three-point shooting and ability to space the floor, Grandison will complement Duke’s more athletic players by providing much-needed floor spacing. His leadership and calm demeanor will also be invaluable for a young team.
Together, this mixture of experienced players and freshmen provides Duke with a well-rounded team capable of challenging for national titles. The key will be how quickly the freshmen can adjust to the rigors of college basketball and mesh with the upperclassmen.
Coaching: The Jon Scheyer Factor
Duke’s success in 2024-2025 isn’t just dependent on the talent of its players—it also hinges on the ability of Coach Jon Scheyer to manage and guide them to victory. After taking over the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer’s leadership is crucial in molding the freshmen into a cohesive unit and ensuring that the team remains focused on its goals.
Scheyer has already shown that he can recruit at the highest level, but his ability to coach at that same level will be put to the test this season. While the Blue Devils have plenty of talent, they will need a steady hand to ensure that the team doesn’t get overwhelmed by the pressures of being a national contender.
Scheyer’s offensive and defensive philosophies will be crucial. He will need to utilize the team’s strengths—namely, its athleticism and versatility—while also establishing a solid defensive identity. Under Krzyzewski, Duke became known for its relentless defense, and Scheyer will have to ensure that this tradition continues. If he can balance the individual talents of his roster with team-oriented play, Duke could very well be the team to beat in college basketball this season.
The Road to Undefeated: Challenges and Opportunities
So, just how realistic is it for Duke to go undefeated this season? While the prospect of an undefeated season in college basketball is always an exciting thought, it’s important to consider the challenges that come with such an ambitious goal.
First and foremost, the ACC is a competitive conference. Duke will face off against some of the best teams in the nation, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami. Each of these teams has its own star players and proven coaches, making it likely that Duke will face some stiff competition throughout the regular season. Additionally, road games in the ACC are notoriously difficult, as teams often rally in front of their home crowds, which adds another layer of difficulty to Duke’s schedule.
Furthermore, while Duke is loaded with talent, there is still the matter of chemistry and consistency. The team will need time to gel, especially with so many freshmen in key roles. Injuries or a rough stretch of games could derail their hopes of an undefeated season. History has shown that even the most talented teams can struggle when they fail to establish team chemistry.
On the other hand, Duke’s potential for an undefeated season also lies in its immense talent and depth. If the freshmen live up to their hype, and the upperclassmen continue to contribute at a high level, the Blue Devils have the tools to make a deep run in March and potentially run the table. Duke’s combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership could give them the edge over other programs.
If the team stays healthy, maintains its focus, and plays to its potential, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Duke to finish the season without a loss. But the road to an undefeated season will undoubtedly be difficult, requiring consistency, resilience, and a little bit of luck.