Duke Men’s Basketball Earns Third Straight Academic Excellence Award as Five Blue Devils Receive National Academic Recognition Honors
The Duke men’s basketball program, long revered for its tradition of excellence on the court, continues to match its dominance with elite performance in the classroom. In what has become a hallmark of the program’s culture under both Mike Krzyzewski and now Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have secured their third consecutive National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Academic Excellence Award — a prestigious honor that recognizes teams whose student-athletes maintain high collective academic achievement. In addition, five individual Blue Devils were named to the NABC Honors Court, a list reserved for upperclassmen who distinguish themselves academically at a national level.
While banners, Final Fours, and NBA Draft picks often steal the spotlight, this latest academic milestone is a firm reminder of Duke basketball’s commitment to the complete development of its student-athletes. It’s not merely about building great players — it’s about building great men, leaders, and lifelong learners. For head coach Jon Scheyer, the accomplishment reflects the values he continues to instill within the program: accountability, discipline, and balance.
The NABC’s Academic Excellence Award is given annually to teams with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for all players during the academic year. Achieving this feat once is commendable. Doing so three years in a row, particularly at a program of Duke’s competitive stature, is extraordinary. It reflects a culture where academic commitment is not optional — it’s embedded into the daily standard. In an era where college basketball is increasingly defined by one-and-done stars, transfer portal moves, and NIL negotiations, Duke’s continued academic integrity stands out.
The Blue Devils’ success is particularly impressive when considering the demands of being a student-athlete at one of the most academically rigorous institutions in the nation. Balancing film sessions, weight training, road trips, and late-night practices with advanced coursework in majors like economics, psychology, and public policy is no easy feat. Yet Duke’s players continue to rise to the challenge, excelling both on and off the court.
Among those earning individual recognition on the NABC Honors Court this year were five players who each exemplified the academic and athletic duality that has become synonymous with Duke basketball. These student-athletes, all juniors or seniors, met the Honors Court’s high standards: maintaining at least a 3.2 GPA and being enrolled at their current institution for at least one year.
While the names on this year’s list reflect a wide range of contributions on the court — from starters to role players — they all share a common thread off it: a relentless work ethic and a desire to succeed beyond basketball. Whether preparing for future careers in business, sports management, or public service, these players have embraced the full experience of being a Duke student-athlete.
Coach Scheyer praised the honorees and the team’s overall academic achievement, noting that academic success is not separate from basketball success — it’s foundational to it. “What we ask of our guys is to commit to being the best version of themselves in every area of life,” Scheyer said. “That includes basketball, but it also includes how they carry themselves in the classroom, how they represent this university, and how they prepare for life beyond the game.”
Scheyer’s message resonates strongly with his players. Since taking over the program in 2022, he has emphasized leadership development, holistic growth, and personal accountability. Those values have translated not just into wins on the court, but into excellence in academic and personal development metrics. Under his guidance, the Blue Devils have maintained their strong academic reputation while continuing to compete at the highest level nationally.
Support structures also play a crucial role in the team’s academic consistency. Duke’s academic support team for athletics, including dedicated advisors and tutors, works closely with players to ensure they stay on track with coursework, meet major requirements, and successfully navigate the often-unforgiving academic calendar of a top-tier university. Additionally, the coaching staff regularly checks in on academic progress, treating classroom effort with the same seriousness as practice performance.
The importance of this academic culture is perhaps most evident in the career trajectories of Duke basketball alumni. While many players reach the NBA, numerous others find success in business, media, law, and public policy — fields that require the critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills honed in the Duke classroom. Former Blue Devils like Reggie Love (former aide to President Barack Obama), Jay Bilas (ESPN analyst and attorney), and Shane Battier (executive and philanthropist) are just a few examples of how Duke’s academic framework lays the foundation for excellence long after the final buzzer.
Beyond individual stories, the team’s academic accomplishments also send a message to recruits and their families: at Duke, you’re not just preparing for the league — you’re preparing for life. In a competitive recruiting landscape, where many top players are drawn to programs promising quick paths to the NBA, Duke’s continued emphasis on academics gives the program a unique and powerful identity. It attracts high-character athletes who want more than just a year in the spotlight. They want a place that will challenge them intellectually, support their long-term ambitions, and treat them as more than just athletes.
For the student body and Duke alumni, this recognition only deepens the pride they feel in the program. Academic excellence is part of the school’s DNA, and when the basketball team — the university’s most visible and celebrated athletic program — mirrors those values, it strengthens the connection between athletics and the broader mission of the institution.
The timing of this award also matters. As discussions about the evolving landscape of college athletics continue — including the expansion of NIL, realignment, and questions about student-athlete compensation — there is growing concern about whether academics will continue to matter in high-level college sports. Duke’s consistent performance on this front offers a compelling counter-narrative: that academic achievement and athletic success are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can — and should — go hand in hand.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Duke is poised once again to be a contender on the national stage. With a roster blending elite freshmen, experienced returners like Isaiah Evans, and a coaching staff committed to both performance and character, the Blue Devils will be under the spotlight as always. But even amid the pressure of championship expectations, the commitment to academics remains steady. For this team, the classroom is not a distraction from basketball — it’s part of the preparation to be the best.
Scheyer, whose own time as a Duke student-athlete included Academic All-ACC honors, understands this better than most. His leadership reinforces the idea that a true Duke man wins with integrity — whether on the court or in the classroom.
The NABC Academic Excellence Award may not come with trophies, television coverage, or viral highlights. But it represents something deeper — a commitment to the full development of young men at one of the most demanding and prestigious universities in the world. For Duke men’s basketball, winning isn’t just about what happens between the lines. It’s about living up to the standard in every facet of life.
And as they proudly hang their third consecutive academic award banner inside the locker room, it’s clear: this program isn’t just building champions in March — it’s building leaders for life.
