Duke Basketball Endured Challenging 2024–25 Season as Injuries to Key Post Players Tested Depth, Development, and Team Resilience Altogether
The 2024–25 Duke basketball season was marked by both high expectations and unforeseen adversity, as injuries to several key post players forced the team to adapt, adjust, and overcome on the fly. For a program long known for its ability to reload and compete at a national level regardless of the circumstances, this particular challenge pushed the Blue Devils to the edge of their depth chart and demanded creative solutions from the coaching staff, especially head coach Jon Scheyer in his third year at the helm.
Coming into the season, Duke had assembled a roster that many believed could contend for a national title. The frontcourt, in particular, looked formidable on paper. A combination of veteran experience, five-star recruits, and versatile big men gave Duke an interior presence that few programs could match. There was a healthy mix of size, athleticism, and skill. The staff envisioned lineups that could dominate the paint, protect the rim, and stretch the floor offensively. However, by the time conference play rolled around, that plan had begun to unravel.
The first major setback came early in the non-conference schedule when one of Duke’s starting forwards went down with a foot injury. Initially believed to be a minor issue, it quickly became clear that the injury would require an extended absence. Losing a starter so early in the year disrupted the team’s rotations and forced less-experienced players into prominent roles. That disruption was felt immediately, especially on the defensive end where communication, physicality, and rim protection are crucial.
Not long after that, another post player—this time a freshman center who had shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes—suffered a high ankle sprain during practice. While not a season-ending injury, it sidelined him for several weeks and delayed his development. Without two of their most promising big men, Duke had to rely more heavily on smaller lineups, often moving forwards to the five spot and asking guards to crash the boards more aggressively. It was not an ideal scenario, especially against physically dominant teams in the ACC.
The injuries didn’t stop there. As the season progressed, Duke saw multiple players in the frontcourt miss time due to nagging injuries—some minor, others more serious. These included knee soreness, shoulder sprains, and even a few in-game concussions that led to mandatory sit-outs. While no single injury was catastrophic in isolation, the cumulative effect was significant. The Blue Devils simply couldn’t establish any rhythm or continuity in the post. One week a player was back, the next he was out again. That instability made it difficult to build chemistry or develop the kind of interior identity that successful Duke teams often possess.
The impact of these injuries was felt in nearly every aspect of Duke’s game. Offensively, the team struggled to establish consistent low-post scoring. While guards and wings did their best to carry the scoring load, the absence of reliable post threats allowed opposing defenses to extend further out to the perimeter. This limited driving lanes, increased pressure on ballhandlers, and ultimately made Duke more predictable. For a team that had hoped to play inside-out and create balance between its frontcourt and backcourt, the plan had to be shelved in favor of a more perimeter-heavy attack.
Defensively, the absence of shot-blockers and true post defenders was perhaps even more pronounced. Duke gave up more second-chance points than usual and struggled to control the boards against more physical opponents. Teams with strong frontcourts quickly identified the Blue Devils’ interior weakness and exploited it with pick-and-roll actions, post isolations, and offensive rebounding. The coaching staff experimented with zone defenses and traps, but those were band-aids for a deeper issue: the lack of healthy, physical bodies in the paint.
The toll of these injuries also had a psychological effect on the team. Players who expected to play supporting roles were suddenly thrust into starting lineups. Young big men, still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the college game, were now expected to guard seasoned upperclassmen in the ACC. While some rose to the occasion admirably, the learning curve was steep. Confidence fluctuated. Fatigue set in. And the overall performance of the team became wildly inconsistent from game to game.
Credit must be given to Coach Scheyer and his staff for the way they navigated this challenging situation. Rather than panic or make excuses, they focused on developing the talent they had available. Practices became more tactical. Game plans were adjusted on a nightly basis. The staff emphasized versatility and resilience, often preaching the “next man up” mentality. At times, Duke played with a level of grit that was commendable—outworking bigger teams, scrambling for loose balls, and relying on collective effort rather than individual dominance.
One silver lining from the injury-riddled season was the accelerated development of younger players who may not have seen the floor as much under normal circumstances. Several underclassmen logged meaningful minutes, gaining experience that will be invaluable in future seasons. Some of them showed flashes of star potential, and while the team’s record may not have reflected its full potential, those reps laid the groundwork for a stronger, deeper roster going forward.
The season also highlighted the importance of roster flexibility in the modern college game. Duke has historically recruited the best talent available, regardless of position. But the 2024–25 campaign served as a reminder that injuries can decimate even the most talented teams if positional depth is not properly balanced. Going forward, the program may look to recruit more versatile bigs—players who can slide between the four and five positions and contribute on both ends of the floor regardless of lineup.
Additionally, the growing influence of the transfer portal provides an avenue for programs like Duke to add immediate help in times of need. This past season, the Blue Devils leaned heavily on freshmen and underclassmen to fill the void left by injured upperclassmen. In future years, adding an experienced post player from the portal could help insulate the team from such attrition and provide leadership during times of uncertainty.
From a broader perspective, the 2024–25 season reminded fans and analysts alike that even the most elite programs are not immune to the unpredictable nature of sports. Injuries are part of the game, and how a team responds to adversity often says more than the wins and losses themselves. While Duke fell short of its championship aspirations, it did not collapse. It battled. It adjusted. And it competed.
The resilience of the players, especially those asked to play out of position or beyond their expected roles, became one of the defining themes of the season. Their effort kept the team competitive, even as rotations were in constant flux. And while the early exits in both the ACC and NCAA tournaments stung, they also served as motivation for what’s to come.
Looking ahead, there is optimism. Several of the injured post players are expected to return fully healthy next season, and their time away from the court gave them an opportunity to grow in other ways—studying film, understanding the playbook, and developing leadership skills from the sideline. When they return, they will be more seasoned and more prepared to contribute. Additionally, Duke’s incoming recruiting class is strong once again, with at least one five-star big man set to join the program. Combined with a healthy returning core and potential additions from the portal, the Blue Devils should be well-positioned to bounce back.
In retrospect, the adversity faced during the 2024–25 campaign could end up being a foundational moment for this era of Duke basketball. It tested the program’s structure, challenged its depth, and revealed both its vulnerabilities and its strengths. While no team wants to go through a season plagued by injuries, the way Duke responded offers hope. The program did not waver in its commitment to excellence. It remained competitive. It gave its young players a chance to grow. And it kept its sights on long-term success.
Ultimately, the season will be remembered not for what was lost to injury, but for how the program continued to fight in spite of it. For a school with a legacy as rich as Duke’s, this year added a different kind of chapter—one about perseverance, patience, and preparation for the road ahead.
