Coach Jon Scheyer Reflects on Duke’s Strong Regular Season Finish: “Incredibly Pleased with Our Team”
Durham, NC – As the Duke Blue Devils wrap up an impressive regular season, head coach Jon Scheyer took a moment to reflect on his team’s accomplishments, particularly their strong finish to the season. Following a hard-fought victory, which brought their regular-season record to 28-4 overall and an incredible 19-1 in the ACC, Scheyer praised his team’s resilience and determination.
“This victory makes me as proud as anyone else,” said Scheyer, speaking after the game. “The story was that we played defense in the last minutes. I believed that several guys made successful plays and that we survived the storm. We still have a lot to do, but I’m incredibly pleased with our team for finishing the regular season with 19 conference wins and 28 overall.”
The Blue Devils have been one of the most dominant teams in the country this season, and their success can be attributed to both their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. However, it’s the ability to finish games with poise, particularly under pressure, that has stood out to Scheyer throughout the year.
A Testament to Defensive Grit
Duke’s defense, which has been a hallmark of their play all season, was on full display in the closing moments of the game that secured their 28th win of the season. The Blue Devils locked in on defense when it mattered most, stifling the opposition and making key plays down the stretch to seal the victory.
“We’ve always said that defense would be our identity, and tonight it was the difference. The last few minutes were all about staying locked in, making stops, and executing,” Scheyer explained. “Our guys didn’t panic. They just focused, stayed together, and found a way to get it done. That’s the kind of mentality we’ve built this season, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of this group.”
Duke’s ability to perform when the stakes are highest has been one of their defining characteristics in 2025. Their defense, led by standout players like Cooper Flagg, has allowed them to stay competitive in tight games, showing that they are capable of closing out opponents when it matters most.
A Team Effort
While Scheyer was quick to credit his team’s defense, he also emphasized that the victory and overall success were the result of contributions from multiple players. “Several guys made successful plays, and that’s what we need moving forward. It’s about everyone stepping up and doing their part,” Scheyer said.
The team has had multiple standout performances this season, from Flagg’s all-around play to the leadership of senior players who have stepped up in key moments. Duke’s depth and balance have been critical to their success, as they have had different players rise to the occasion in different games.
In particular, the play of Cooper Flagg has been a major factor in Duke’s dominance this season. As one of the frontrunners for national player of the year, Flagg has displayed a unique combination of scoring, defense, and leadership that has carried the Blue Devils in many contests. However, Scheyer was quick to note that this success is a result of the entire team’s collective effort, not just one individual.
“We’re not a one-man team,” Scheyer said. “We have a group of guys who are all capable of making plays. They’ve all bought into the system, and that’s what makes us special. It’s about everyone working together, and tonight we saw that.”
Looking Ahead
With the regular season now complete, Coach Scheyer and the Blue Devils are turning their attention to the postseason. While they’ve accomplished a lot so far, Scheyer knows there’s still work to be done.
“We still have a lot to do,” he said. “We’re not satisfied with just the regular season. Our goals are still ahead of us, and we have to keep our focus on what’s next. But right now, I’m incredibly pleased with our team and how we’ve finished the season. We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and we know that we’ll need to keep working even harder as we move into the postseason.”
With 19 conference wins, Duke has finished at the top of the ACC standings, and they will enter the postseason as one of the top-ranked teams in the country. Their remarkable regular-season finish sets them up for a deep run in the ACC Tournament and beyond, with eyes set on competing for a national championship.
As Coach Scheyer rightly pointed out, while this victory and regular-season success are significant, the journey is far from over. Duke is focused on continuing their momentum into the postseason and proving that they can be the last team standing when it’s all said and done.
Duke’s impressive regular season, capped off by their 28th win and 19th conference victory, has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and challenging postseason. With a balanced team, a staunch defense, and a coach in Jon Scheyer who knows how to lead his team through adversity, the Blue Devils are poised for a strong run in both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Scheyer’s pride in his team’s performance is evident, but he remains focused on the task at hand. With a team full of talent, resilience, and a determination to succeed, Duke is more than ready for the challenges ahead. Their sights are set on continuing their journey to greatness—one game at a time.