When Was the Last Time Duke Won the Men’s NCAA Tournament? Full List of Blue Devils’ Championships
The Duke Blue Devils, one of the most storied programs in the history of men’s college basketball, have enjoyed an illustrious run under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. With a rich history of success, Duke has become synonymous with elite basketball, producing numerous NBA stars and dominating the NCAA Tournament for decades. Their legacy includes five NCAA championships, with each title reflecting the high standards set by the program both on and off the court.
In this article, we will explore the last time Duke won the NCAA Tournament, as well as take a deeper dive into the full list of their championships, the key players and moments that defined each victory, and the impact these titles have had on college basketball history.
The Last Time Duke Won the Men’s NCAA Tournament
The most recent time that Duke University won the NCAA Tournament was in 2015. Under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils captured their fifth national championship, a victory that further cemented Krzyzewski’s reputation as one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time.
2015 NCAA Tournament: Duke’s Fifth Championship
The 2015 NCAA Tournament marked Duke’s fifth national title in program history, and it was a victory that came at the end of a year in which Duke was both a favorite and a team in need of some late-season adjustments. The Blue Devils entered the tournament as a #1 seed in the East Region, and their journey to the title game was filled with thrilling victories, individual performances, and crucial coaching decisions.
Duke’s run to the championship began in the Round of 64, where they defeated Robert Morris in a dominant 85-56 victory. They continued to cruise through the rounds, knocking off teams such as Utah, Iowa State, and Gonzaga in the later stages, with each win solidifying their title aspirations.
The Final Four brought them face-to-face with their rival Michigan State, but Duke emerged victorious with a 81-61 win. In that game, Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow were the standout performers, leading Duke to a dominant performance and a ticket to the championship game.
In the championship game, Duke faced off against Wisconsin, a team that had knocked off Kentucky in the Final Four to preserve their undefeated season. The game was a thrilling, back-and-forth contest, but Duke ultimately won 68-63 to capture the championship.
The star of the title game was Tyus Jones, the freshman point guard, who earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors for his stellar play throughout the tournament. Jones scored 23 points in the final, leading the Blue Devils in scoring and providing a calm, steady presence for a team full of freshmen. His clutch performance throughout the tournament helped propel Duke to their fifth national championship.
Key Contributors to Duke’s 2015 Championship:
- Tyus Jones (Freshman Point Guard) – Jones was arguably the most important player on Duke’s championship run. His leadership, poise, and clutch shooting in the final moments of games made him a standout throughout the tournament. Jones was awarded the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award and finished the season with averages of 11.8 points and 5.6 assists per game.
- Jahlil Okafor (Freshman Center) – Okafor was one of the most dominant post players in the nation during the 2014-2015 season. Averaging 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, Okafor was a key offensive weapon for Duke and was a major factor in their ability to control games inside.
- Justise Winslow (Freshman Forward) – Winslow was known for his versatility and defense, and he played a pivotal role in Duke’s championship run. Winslow’s ability to guard multiple positions and his contributions on offense made him a valuable asset for Coach K’s squad.
- Coach Mike Krzyzewski – Coach K’s leadership and experience were crucial in Duke’s success in 2015. This championship was particularly significant for Krzyzewski as it marked his fifth NCAA title, making him the coach with the most championships in NCAA Division I men’s basketball at the time.
Duke Blue Devils’ Full List of NCAA Championships
Duke’s victory in 2015 was their fifth national championship, but the program has had a rich history of success that spans several decades. Here is a complete list of Duke’s NCAA Tournament championships, along with brief summaries of the key players and moments that helped secure each title.
1. 1991 NCAA Championship
Duke’s first national championship came in 1991, when they defeated Kansas in the championship game by a score of 72-65. This win marked the beginning of Duke’s basketball dynasty under Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Key Players:
- Christian Laettner: Laettner, one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, was a major factor in Duke’s championship run. He scored 19 points in the final, cementing his place as a Blue Devil legend. Laettner’s clutch performances throughout the tournament earned him the Most Outstanding Player award.
- Bobby Hurley: Hurley was Duke’s point guard and a key playmaker for the team. His leadership on the floor helped guide the Blue Devils to the championship.
- Grant Hill: Hill was a freshman during this championship run and would go on to become one of the best players in college basketball history.
2. 1992 NCAA Championship
The 1992 championship was Duke’s second title in as many years. The Blue Devils defeated the Kansas Jayhawks again, but this time the score was much closer, 71-51.
Key Players:
- Christian Laettner: Laettner continued his dominance as the face of Duke’s program. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four once again.
- Grant Hill: Hill, now a sophomore, continued to develop into one of the most talented players in the country.
- Bobby Hurley: Hurley continued to run the show as the team’s point guard, contributing both as a scorer and playmaker.
3. 2001 NCAA Championship
Duke’s third national title came in 2001, when the Blue Devils defeated the Arizona Wildcats in a thrilling 82-72 victory.
Key Players:
- Mike Dunleavy Jr.: Dunleavy, a key forward for Duke, played a pivotal role in their success.
- Jay Williams: Williams was the standout player for Duke during the 2001 season, earning the Naismith College Player of the Year award. He was critical in their offense and led the team to the title.
- Carlos Boozer: Boozer was an essential part of Duke’s frontcourt, and his physicality inside helped Duke dominate Arizona in the championship game.
4. 2010 NCAA Championship
Duke’s fourth national title came in 2010, when they defeated Butler in a tight, defensive battle. The final score was 61-59, marking Coach K’s fourth championship.
Key Players:
- Kyle Singler: Singler was a key player for Duke, scoring 19 points in the championship game and being named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
- Jon Scheyer: Scheyer was another key piece for Duke, contributing both as a scorer and as a facilitator on the court.
- Lance Thomas: Thomas provided strong defense and rebounding throughout the tournament.
5. 2015 NCAA Championship
As mentioned earlier, Duke’s fifth and most recent championship came in 2015, when they defeated Wisconsin in a 68-63 victory.
Key Players:
- Tyus Jones: Jones was the standout player, earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award and delivering a clutch performance in the championship game.
- Jahlil Okafor: Okafor was a force in the paint and played a key role in Duke’s success during the tournament.
- Justise Winslow: Winslow’s defense and all-around play helped Duke in both the Final Four and the championship game.
Impact of Duke’s Championships
Duke’s five NCAA championships have not only solidified the Blue Devils as one of the premier programs in college basketball but also as a beacon of excellence in the sport. Under Coach Krzyzewski, Duke has produced NBA stars, developed a strong and loyal fan base, and created a culture of winning. The Blue Devils’ ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop players, and perform on the biggest stage has made them one of the most respected and feared programs in college basketball history.
Each championship is a testament to the consistency and greatness of the program. With legendary players such as Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Jay Williams, Jahlil Okafor, and Tyus Jones, Duke has been able to maintain its spot among the elite programs, and its titles are a reflection of the high level of talent that consistently comes through its doors.