Duke Basketball has dominated with an 18-2 start, fueled by standout performances from Filipowski, Proctor, Lively, and Mitchell.

The Duke Blue Devils have ignited the 2025 basketball season with a blistering 18-2 record, and the team has shown why they are one of the premier programs in college basketball. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, in his second season after taking over for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, Duke has showcased a potent mix of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and superb individual performances. At the heart of this success are four key players—Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, Dereck Lively II, and Mark Mitchell—whose contributions have been instrumental in propelling the Blue Devils to the top of the ACC standings.

As Duke approaches the midpoint of the 2025 season, they are not only asserting their dominance in the conference but also making noise on the national stage. With a high-powered offense averaging 82 points per game and a defense that limits opponents to just 66 points, Duke has demonstrated their balance and versatility. Let’s take a deeper dive into how these four standout players have led the Blue Devils during their early success and how their individual strengths have contributed to the team’s overall performance.

Kyle Filipowski – The Dominant Force in the Paint

No player has been more integral to Duke’s success this season than sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski. The 6-foot-11 forward has developed into a dynamic player on both ends of the floor, combining an exceptional scoring ability with elite rebounding and defensive skills. Filipowski is averaging 18.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game through the first 20 games of the season, making him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball.

Offensive Versatility

Filipowski’s offensive game has been one of the primary reasons Duke has been so difficult to defend. His ability to score both inside and outside makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders. In the paint, Filipowski is a relentless force, using his size and strength to finish through contact. He also possesses a polished mid-range jumper that stretches the defense and makes him effective even when he’s not near the rim.

One of Filipowski’s most impressive qualities is his basketball IQ. He is able to read defenses quickly and make smart decisions, whether it’s scoring the ball himself or finding open teammates. This has made him not only a primary scoring option but also a capable playmaker, as he can create opportunities for others by drawing defenders and passing out of double-teams.

Defensive Prowess

On the defensive side of the ball, Filipowski has been equally impactful. His ability to protect the rim while also staying in front of smaller, quicker players has made him a versatile defender in Duke’s system. His length and timing allow him to block or alter shots effectively, and he’s been instrumental in securing rebounds, especially on the defensive glass, where he averages over 10 boards per game.

Filipowski’s presence in the paint has been a key factor in Duke’s defensive success, and his leadership on that end of the floor sets the tone for the entire team. Whether he’s switching on pick-and-rolls or contesting shots in the lane, Filipowski has demonstrated a level of defensive awareness that’s rare for a player of his size and skill set.

Leadership and Growth

The most significant development in Filipowski’s game this season has been his leadership. As a sophomore, he has taken on the mantle of being Duke’s go-to player and vocal leader, which was a major step forward for him after a promising but somewhat inconsistent freshman campaign. Filipowski’s maturity and poise have been evident both on the floor and in the locker room, where he’s helped foster a team-oriented culture.

Coach Jon Scheyer has praised Filipowski’s leadership and how he’s taken ownership of his role as the team’s centerpiece. Filipowski’s development as a leader has been crucial to the Blue Devils’ success, especially as a team that blends young talent with returning veterans.

Tyrese Proctor – The Explosive Freshman Point Guard

One of the most exciting players on the Duke roster is freshman point guard Tyrese Proctor. The 6-foot-5 Australian has seamlessly transitioned into the college game, and his playmaking ability has been a driving force in Duke’s offensive success. Through 20 games, Proctor is averaging 13.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, making him not only a dynamic scorer but also one of the most well-rounded guards in the nation.

A Natural Playmaker

Proctor’s court vision and ability to distribute the ball have been standout features of his game this season. As the primary ball handler for Duke, Proctor has excelled in running the offense and setting up his teammates for easy scoring opportunities. His 5.8 assists per game rank among the top in the ACC, and his ability to orchestrate fast breaks and set up plays in half-court situations has made him the engine that powers Duke’s offense.

What’s most impressive about Proctor is his decision-making. He’s able to balance scoring and playmaking, knowing when to take over offensively and when to pass the ball to teammates in better positions. His poise under pressure has been a key asset for Duke, especially in high-stakes moments when the team needs someone to step up and make a play.

Scoring Ability and Defensive Intensity

While Proctor is known for his passing ability, he’s also shown he can score efficiently. He’s averaging 13.5 points per game, and his scoring comes in a variety of ways. Proctor can knock down the three-pointer, drive to the rim, or pull up for mid-range jumpers. His shooting range and versatility allow him to be a threat from all areas of the floor, which keeps opposing defenses on their heels.

Defensively, Proctor has proven to be a pest on the ball. His quickness and anticipation have allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses, and his length makes him a challenging defender for point guards to navigate. Proctor’s defensive intensity has been critical in Duke’s ability to get out in transition and create fast-break opportunities, a key part of their overall strategy.

Poise Beyond His Years

What stands out most about Proctor is his maturity for a freshman. Despite his young age, he plays with a calm, collected demeanor and makes the right decisions in key moments. Proctor has quickly earned the trust of Coach Scheyer and his teammates, which speaks volumes about his development and basketball IQ. As the season progresses, Proctor will undoubtedly continue to grow, and his leadership will be vital to Duke’s success in the postseason.

Dereck Lively II – A Defensive Game-Changer

Freshman center Dereck Lively II has been an absolute game-changer for Duke on the defensive end. Standing at 7 feet tall, Lively is a dominant force in the paint, where his ability to protect the rim and control the glass has been one of the key reasons for Duke’s defensive prowess. Through 20 games, Lively is averaging 6.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, and his impact on both ends of the floor cannot be overstated.

Elite Rim Protector

Lively’s most notable skill is his rim protection. His 2.7 blocks per game are among the best in the nation, and he has the ability to change the course of a game with his shot-blocking ability. Whether he’s erasing layups or swatting away jump shots, Lively’s presence in the paint has been a huge deterrent for opponents looking to attack the basket. His shot-blocking has not only disrupted opposing offenses but has also allowed Duke to get out in transition and capitalize on fast-break opportunities.

Lively’s ability to control the paint makes him one of the most highly sought-after defensive prospects in college basketball, and his value to Duke cannot be measured simply by statistics. His ability to alter shots without fouling and his overall defensive awareness have made him a centerpiece of Duke’s defense.

Offensive Development

While Lively is primarily known for his defense, he has also shown improvement on the offensive end. He’s a solid finisher around the basket, using his length and athleticism to convert lob passes and offensive rebounds into easy points. As he continues to develop, Lively’s offensive game will only expand, but for now, his primary role has been as a defensive anchor.

Mark Mitchell – A Versatile Forward

Mark Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 freshman forward, has provided valuable depth and versatility for Duke. Averaging 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, Mitchell has shown he can impact the game in a variety of ways. His ability to play both forward positions gives Coach Scheyer the flexibility to adjust lineups depending on the matchup.

A Multi-Dimensional Player

Mitchell has the ability to contribute in all facets of the game. He’s a strong rebounder, especially on the offensive glass, and his ability to finish in transition has made him a key asset in Duke’s fast-break offense. Defensively, Mitchell’s length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, which has been crucial in Duke’s ability to switch on defense and contest shots effectively.

Offensively, Mitchell has the ability to score both inside and outside, and he has developed a reliable mid-range jumper. His versatility makes him a difficult player to defend, and his all-around contributions have made him a crucial part of Duke’s rotation.