The victory of Duke men’s basketball over NC State demonstrates the team’s depth of talent and resilience beyond Flagg.

On January 27, 2024, the No. 2-ranked Duke Blue Devils delivered a hard-fought 74-64 victory over the NC State Wolfpack, further solidifying their position as one of the premier teams in college basketball. While much of the attention in recent months has centered around Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, this game served as a reminder that the Blue Devils’ success isn’t dependent on one player. Instead, it is a well-rounded team effort, with multiple contributors stepping up to help them extend their dominance.

Duke’s win over NC State not only showcased the talent of Flagg but highlighted the depth and resilience of the team as a whole. Flagg, while undeniably a key player, did not carry the team on his own. Instead, the Blue Devils demonstrated how their collective strength and depth of talent have made them an unstoppable force this season. The victory was a testament to the balance and versatility that defines Duke’s roster under head coach Jon Scheyer.

This analysis will explore how Duke’s depth, talent, and resilience beyond Flagg were on full display in the victory over NC State. We’ll break down key performances from various players, the team’s approach to defense and offense, and how the Blue Devils continue to evolve as a top-tier national contender.

Cooper Flagg: A Rising Star, But Not the Only Star

There’s no doubt that Cooper Flagg has been the focal point of Duke’s season. The 6’9” forward, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in college basketball, has dazzled fans and analysts alike with his impressive skills on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. In the win over NC State, Flagg once again demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of the top players in the nation, finishing with a well-rounded stat line of 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Flagg’s versatility allows him to impact the game in numerous ways. Offensively, he has the ability to score in the post, hit mid-range jumpers, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His vision and basketball IQ also allow him to be a playmaker, setting up teammates with timely passes. Defensively, Flagg is a force to be reckoned with. His shot-blocking ability, combined with his lateral quickness, allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a pivotal presence on that end of the floor.

However, while Flagg’s individual performance was impressive, the game also demonstrated that Duke is not a one-man team. His performance was just one piece of the puzzle, with several other players stepping up to contribute to the victory. In fact, it was the balanced effort from Duke’s entire roster that allowed them to overpower NC State, especially in the latter stages of the game.

Duke’s Depth: A Balanced Effort Across the Board

Duke’s success in this game was not solely reliant on Flagg’s contributions. The Blue Devils have a well-rounded roster, with multiple players capable of stepping up and taking control of the game at any given moment. This depth was on full display in the win over NC State, where several key players played crucial roles in securing the victory.

Kyle Filipowski: The Reliable Veteran

Sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski continued to demonstrate why he’s one of the top players in the ACC. Filipowski’s size, skill, and basketball IQ make him an invaluable asset for Duke. He finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds, adding another double-double to his impressive season tally. Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and attack the basket made him a key offensive weapon for the Blue Devils.

Filipowski’s rebounding and rim protection were also critical in Duke’s success. His ability to secure defensive rebounds allowed the Blue Devils to push the tempo and limit NC State’s second-chance opportunities. Filipowski’s defensive presence in the paint helped stifle the Wolfpack’s attempts to drive to the basket, particularly in the second half when NC State began to push for a comeback.

Tyrese Proctor: Poised Beyond His Years

Freshman guard Tyrese Proctor is another player who has quickly emerged as a key contributor for Duke. Proctor finished with 12 points and 7 assists in the victory over NC State, showcasing his ability to make plays both as a scorer and as a distributor. His poise and maturity for a freshman are impressive, and he has developed into a reliable ball handler for Duke in high-pressure situations.

Proctor’s ability to control the tempo of the game and make the right decisions with the ball was especially important in this matchup. As NC State looked to make a run in the second half, Proctor’s calmness under pressure helped Duke weather the storm. He hit key shots when necessary and was unselfish with the ball, finding teammates in good positions to score. His playmaking ability is a testament to the depth of Duke’s roster, as he serves as another reliable option in an offense that features several capable scorers.

Jeremy Roach: The Senior Leader

Senior guard Jeremy Roach’s leadership was on full display in the win over NC State. Roach is the veteran presence that Duke relies on to steady the ship, particularly when the game is on the line. Roach finished with 13 points and 4 assists, but it was his leadership and clutch playmaking that stood out most. Roach’s ability to step up in key moments has been a hallmark of his career at Duke, and this game was no different.

As NC State began to apply more pressure in the second half, Roach took control, guiding Duke through the critical moments with smart decisions and timely plays. His ability to break down defenses, create shots for himself, and facilitate for others made him an essential part of Duke’s offense. Roach’s experience and calm demeanor under pressure helped Duke maintain control in the final minutes of the game, and his contributions were pivotal in securing the victory.

The Bench: Depth in Action

Another key aspect of Duke’s victory was their ability to get contributions from players off the bench. While the starting five was stellar, players like Mark Mitchell and Caleb Foster provided valuable minutes when needed.

Mitchell, a versatile forward, contributed 6 points and 5 rebounds, providing the Blue Devils with energy and defense when they needed it most. His ability to guard multiple positions and his rebounding presence gave Duke a lift in moments when the game began to tighten. Foster, a freshman guard, added 5 points and 3 assists, providing Duke with another scoring option and playmaking ability off the bench. These contributions from the bench highlight the depth of Duke’s roster, as they have multiple players capable of stepping up at any given moment.

Defensive Resilience: Locking Down When It Matters

While Duke’s offensive depth was evident in their victory over NC State, it was their defensive resilience that truly set them apart. Duke’s defense, led by Flagg, Filipowski, and Roach, was suffocating, particularly in the second half when NC State tried to make a run.

Duke’s ability to lock down NC State’s shooters and protect the rim was crucial in preventing the Wolfpack from gaining any momentum. NC State struggled to score consistently in the final minutes of the game, as Duke’s defense forced them into tough shots and turned them over on several key possessions.

Flagg’s shot-blocking ability was a key factor in Duke’s defensive success. His presence in the paint made it difficult for NC State to attack the basket, and his ability to contest shots without fouling was a testament to his defensive IQ. Filipowski’s rebounding and rim protection were also crucial, as he helped limit NC State’s second-chance opportunities and prevented them from getting easy baskets in the paint.

Additionally, Duke’s perimeter defense was stifling. NC State struggled to find open looks from beyond the arc, as Duke’s guards and forwards did an excellent job of closing out on shooters and contesting shots. Tyrese Proctor’s length and athleticism made him a difficult defender on the perimeter, while Roach’s defensive prowess helped disrupt NC State’s offensive flow.

 Depth, Talent, and Resilience Make Duke a National Contender

Duke’s victory over NC State was a clear demonstration of the team’s depth, talent, and resilience. While Cooper Flagg undoubtedly played a significant role in the win, it was the collective effort of the Blue Devils that allowed them to extend their dominance and secure the victory. From the leadership of Jeremy Roach to the contributions from Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, and the bench players, Duke’s well-rounded roster is a force to be reckoned with.

Duke’s depth is one of the main reasons they are considered one of the top teams in college basketball. They have multiple players who can step up at any given moment, making them difficult to defend and even harder to beat. This balance, combined with their defensive prowess, makes Duke a complete team that is capable of winning in a variety of ways.

As the season progresses, Duke will continue to rely on the depth and resilience that were on display in their victory over NC State. With players like Flagg, Filipowski, Roach, and Proctor leading the charge, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in March and potentially compete for a national championship.