A Remarkable Season for Duke Men’s Basketball: ACC Tournament & Regular Season Championship, 1 Seed in March Madness, and NCAA Men’s Final Four Appearance
The 2024-2025 season for Duke Men’s Basketball will go down as one of the most exciting and historic in the program’s storied history. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, who is continuing to cement his legacy as a rising star in the coaching ranks, the Blue Devils delivered a season that exceeded expectations and left fans, players, and analysts in awe. From capturing both the ACC Regular Season and ACC Tournament Championships to securing a #1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament and making a dramatic run to the Final Four, Duke’s journey to glory encapsulated everything that is great about college basketball.
This season’s success was built on a mixture of experienced leadership, dynamic young talent, and an unrelenting team-first mentality. Duke’s blend of skill, grit, and determination made them a formidable force on the court, and as the team advanced through the postseason, it became clear that this was a special year for the Blue Devils. Let’s take a deep dive into the key moments, individuals, and strategies that made this season one for the books.
Duke’s Road to the ACC Championship: A Dominant Regular Season and Tournament Title
From the outset of the season, Duke was positioned as one of the top teams in the nation, but the path to championship glory was far from easy. A challenging non-conference schedule tested the team early, with tough matchups against top-ranked programs. But Duke’s resilience and adaptability quickly became evident, as they adjusted to each challenge with poise and confidence.
The ACC, one of the premier conferences in college basketball, had multiple contenders for the top spot, including the likes of North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida State. However, it was Duke that ultimately showcased the most consistent and dominant play throughout the regular season. Behind the exceptional leadership of Scheyer and the outstanding performances from both veterans and newcomers, the Blue Devils managed to claim the ACC Regular Season Championship with a 15-3 conference record.
One of the standout players during the regular season was sophomore point guard, Jaden Ivey. Ivey emerged as one of the best players in the ACC and a potential future lottery pick in the NBA Draft. His combination of explosive speed, elite ball handling, and playmaking ability provided a steady hand for the Blue Devils all year long. Ivey was the engine that drove the offense, consistently creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
On the other side of the ball, Duke’s defense was suffocating. With a roster that boasted both length and athleticism, the Blue Devils became one of the best defensive teams in the country. Players like junior forward Mark Williams, who became a shot-blocking machine, and freshman guard Jeremy Roach, who excelled as a perimeter defender, helped Duke hold opponents to low shooting percentages and forced turnovers at critical moments. The team’s defense set the tone for many of their victories, with a relentless full-court press and solid defensive rotations disrupting opposing offenses.
In the ACC Tournament, the Blue Devils faced a familiar foe in the championship game—Florida State. The Seminoles had been one of the most challenging teams for Duke all season, and this matchup would prove to be another hard-fought battle. However, Duke’s depth and composure prevailed in the end. They weathered an early storm, fought back from a halftime deficit, and ultimately emerged as ACC Tournament champions after a 76-68 victory. The win solidified their position as one of the nation’s top teams heading into the NCAA Tournament.
March Madness: #1 Seed and Aiming for National Glory
Following their ACC Tournament triumph, Duke earned the coveted #1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As one of the most decorated programs in college basketball history, Duke was no stranger to the pressure and expectations that come with being a top seed. However, the team seemed to embrace the challenge, using the confidence they gained from winning both the ACC Regular Season and Tournament Championships to fuel their postseason run.
Duke’s journey in March Madness was nothing short of thrilling. In the opening rounds, they faced an array of opponents, but their dominance was on full display. The Blue Devils displayed the same level of precision and execution that had gotten them to this point, especially in their dominant performances in the round of 64 and round of 32. Jaden Ivey and Mark Williams continued to shine, but the supporting cast also stepped up in a big way. Freshman wing AJ Griffin became a household name as he emerged as one of the best scorers in the tournament, while Jeremy Roach proved to be clutch in key moments, hitting several crucial shots that kept the team ahead in tight games.
Duke’s defensive prowess was on full display in these early rounds as well, as they limited opponents’ scoring opportunities and forced turnovers, which led to fast-break points. Their disciplined rotations, combined with their ability to lock down shooters, made them an imposing team to play against. The Blue Devils’ balanced offensive attack and defensive versatility made them an impossible matchup for most teams, as their depth allowed them to adjust to any challenge thrown their way.
As the tournament progressed, the stakes grew higher, but Duke continued to rise to the occasion. In the Sweet Sixteen, they faced a tough Kentucky team led by their star freshman, but Duke’s combination of experience and skill ultimately overwhelmed the Wildcats. The game was close for much of the first half, but Duke’s defense clamped down in the second half, and their offense exploded, allowing them to secure a 87-71 win.
The Elite Eight matchup was another test of their mettle, as they took on a seasoned and battle-tested Kansas team. This game became an instant classic, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. However, in the final minutes, it was Duke’s poise under pressure and clutch performances from Ivey and Williams that made the difference, propelling the Blue Devils to a hard-fought 74-69 victory and securing their spot in the Final Four.
Final Four: A Place Among the Elite
With their spot in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four secured, Duke had accomplished what many believed was impossible at the start of the season: a return to college basketball’s biggest stage. The team’s run to the Final Four was a testament to the program’s resilience, leadership, and ability to adapt when the pressure mounted. For Duke, this was not just about making it to the Final Four—it was about proving that they belonged among the elite teams in college basketball.
The Final Four, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, featured some of the best teams in the country, including Duke, Michigan State, and two other powerhouse programs. Duke’s semifinal matchup was against a tough Gonzaga team, a perennial contender in the NCAA Tournament. The game was an intense back-and-forth affair, with both teams showcasing their strengths on both ends of the floor. However, in the final moments, Duke’s star players once again proved their worth. Ivey’s leadership and clutch scoring ability, combined with Williams’ dominance in the paint, allowed the Blue Devils to come out on top with a narrow 76-73 win.
With their victory in the Final Four, Duke advanced to the national championship game, where they would face a formidable opponent in the form of the defending champions, the University of Arizona. Arizona was a powerhouse, but Duke had already proven that they could handle adversity. The national championship game would be their ultimate test.
While Duke’s journey to the Final Four and beyond was an unforgettable one, it was the team’s mindset and focus that made this season so remarkable. Throughout the tournament, Duke demonstrated their ability to stay composed under pressure, execute their game plan, and play together as a team. Their combination of veteran leadership, dynamic youth, and relentless defense made them a force to be reckoned with.
A Legacy of Excellence
The 2024-2025 season for Duke Men’s Basketball will go down in history as one of the program’s most successful and memorable. From winning both the ACC Regular Season and Tournament Championships to securing a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and making an unforgettable run to the Final Four, the Blue Devils have proven that they are once again one of the elite teams in college basketball.
Under Coach Jon Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils have solidified their place among the top programs in the nation, and their remarkable season serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to team play. Whether it was the standout performances of players like Jaden Ivey, Mark Williams, AJ Griffin, and Jeremy Roach, or the team’s collective grit and resilience, Duke demonstrated that they were more than capable of achieving greatness in the ever-competitive world of college basketball.
For Duke fans, this season will be one to remember for years to come. The team’s triumphs and moments of brilliance on the court have created a new chapter in the program’s storied history. And as the Blue Devils prepare for their next challenge, the 2024-2025 season will serve as a reminder of the strength and determination that defines this proud program.
