Jon Scheyer’s fourth season as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team is poised to be a defining one. The 2024–25 schedule features a blend of high-profile matchups and traditional rivalries, setting the stage for a compelling campaign. Among the most anticipated early-season contests is the November 12 clash against the Kentucky Wildcats in the State Farm Champions Classic, a game that promises to be a marquee event in college basketball.
The State Farm Champions Classic: A Premier Matchup
The State Farm Champions Classic is an annual event that brings together four of the most storied programs in college basketball: Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Kansas. This season, the Blue Devils will face Kentucky at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Both teams are expected to be ranked among the top in the nation, making this a pivotal early-season game. Duke enters the matchup with a roster bolstered by the addition of top-tier freshmen, including the highly touted Cooper Flagg, while Kentucky continues to showcase its tradition of elite talent.
Non-Conference Schedule Highlights
Beyond the Champions Classic, Duke’s non-conference schedule is filled with challenging opponents that will test the team’s mettle. On November 22, the Blue Devils will travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats at the McKale Center. This game marks the second consecutive season that these two programs will face each other, following Arizona’s victory in Durham the previous year. The Wildcats return key players, including Caleb Love, who will be a focal point for Duke’s defense.
The non-conference slate also includes a matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 26 as part of the Vegas Showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Kansas enters the season as a preseason favorite, and this game will be a significant test for Duke’s young roster. Additionally, the Blue Devils will host Seattle at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 29, providing an opportunity to build momentum before the start of ACC play.
ACC Rivalries and Conference Play
Duke’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schedule features home-and-away matchups against traditional rivals, including North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Miami. The Blue Devils will also host several teams at Cameron Indoor Stadium, such as NC State, Notre Dame, and Stanford. Notably, the ACC schedule includes a home game against Cal, marking the Golden Bears’ first appearance in Durham. The conference slate is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for top positions in the standings.
Key Players to Watch
The success of Duke’s 2024–25 season will heavily rely on the performance of its freshmen, particularly Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a versatile forward known for his defensive prowess and scoring ability, is expected to make an immediate impact. Alongside Flagg, returning players such as Tyrese Proctor will play crucial roles in leading the team both offensively and defensively. The development of team chemistry and the ability of the freshmen to adapt to the collegiate level will be key factors in Duke’s pursuit of success this season.
As Jon Scheyer enters his fourth season at the helm, the Duke Blue Devils are positioned for a season filled with high expectations and significant challenges. The early-season matchups, particularly the game against Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic, will serve as important benchmarks for the team’s development. With a blend of experienced returnees and highly regarded freshmen, Duke aims to contend for both ACC and national titles. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter in the storied history of Duke basketball.
