The assist-happy Duke Blue Devils prioritize team play, ensuring that every player contributes, emphasizing unselfishness and collective success.

The Duke Blue Devils are once again proving why they’re among the elite programs in college basketball, not just for their talent, but for their unselfish, team-first approach. The 2023-2024 iteration of the Blue Devils has brought an exciting brand of basketball to the hardwood, defined by their assist-happy style of play. As Coach Jon Scheyer continues to shape this young roster, his emphasis on unselfishness and collective success is central to Duke’s rise as a legitimate contender this season.

This year, Duke’s offense has flourished due to the team’s focus on sharing the basketball. Rather than relying solely on individual talent, Duke is making basketball about the team—ensuring every player is involved, fostering a sense of camaraderie that has propelled them to consistent success. The mantra around Cameron Indoor this season is clear: “We want to see everybody eat.” The Blue Devils’ focus on team play, ball movement, and creating opportunities for all players, no matter their role, has not only made them one of the most exciting teams to watch but also one of the most dangerous.

The Blue Devils’ Commitment to Team Basketball

When looking at Duke’s offense this season, the most obvious standout feature is their unselfishness. It’s rare to find a team this talented that’s willing to play for each other rather than individual accolades. Whether it’s a high-flying dunk, a smooth jump shot, or a tough basket in traffic, Duke is dedicated to getting the best possible shot for the team. The result? A truly efficient offense that operates with the fluidity of a well-oiled machine.

What makes the Blue Devils’ offensive system so effective is the willingness of each player to pass, cut, and move without the ball. Unlike teams that rely heavily on one or two players to create offense, Duke spreads the wealth. Multiple players are capable of scoring and creating opportunities for their teammates. This balance makes the team difficult to defend, as any player on the floor can break down the defense, whether it’s off the dribble or by delivering a pinpoint pass to an open man.

Central to this offense is the players’ commitment to ball movement. Duke has been one of the nation’s leaders in assists this season, with players consistently racking up high assist totals. The team’s point guards have been crucial in orchestrating this unselfish offense, often making the right play to find the open man, while the wings and bigs contribute by setting screens, diving to the basket, and keeping the defense honest.

The mantra of “we want to see everybody eat” encapsulates the Blue Devils’ approach to basketball. It speaks to the idea that the success of the team comes from collective effort rather than individual glory. Every player knows their role and understands that helping their teammates is just as important as putting up points themselves. This philosophy has not only created a more enjoyable brand of basketball to watch but has also fostered a locker room culture based on mutual respect and teamwork.

Leadership: Jon Scheyer’s Role in Shaping the Offense

Much of Duke’s emphasis on unselfish basketball stems from the leadership of Coach Jon Scheyer. Scheyer, who succeeded the legendary Mike Krzyzewski as head coach, has put his stamp on the program in numerous ways. One of the most significant changes has been his focus on building a culture that prioritizes team play over individual accolades.

Scheyer’s playing experience under Coach K has allowed him to understand the delicate balance of developing individual players while ensuring the team’s success. As a former Duke player who ran the offense in some of the most crucial moments in the program’s history, Scheyer knows firsthand the importance of sharing the basketball and allowing the team to succeed as a unit. He has continued that philosophy with this year’s team, making sure the players are constantly aware that they’re all responsible for the team’s success.

The Blue Devils have shown that they’re more than just a collection of elite athletes—they’re a cohesive group with a shared mission. Scheyer has made it clear that the individual stars on the team will shine brighter when they work as a collective, trusting their teammates to make plays. It’s this trust in each other that has allowed Duke to play at such a high level.

Star Players Who Embody the Unselfish Play

While Duke’s team-first mentality has been critical to its success, the individual performances of certain players deserve to be highlighted. These players have bought into the concept of sharing the ball and have excelled in their roles, making the team’s success possible.

Tyrese Proctor, a freshman guard, has been one of the main facilitators of Duke’s offense. His ability to create plays for himself and his teammates has been a huge asset to the Blue Devils. Proctor is a dynamic ball-handler who has a knack for finding open teammates in scoring positions. His vision and basketball IQ allow him to dissect defenses and set up high-quality shots for his teammates, whether it’s a corner three, a lob to the big man, or a drive to the basket for an easy finish.

Proctor’s unselfish style of play has rubbed off on the rest of the team. He’s consistently seen setting up his teammates for easy looks, making the extra pass when necessary, and ensuring that everyone gets involved in the offense. His willingness to share the spotlight has helped foster the team’s collective mentality.

Another player who has exemplified this team-first approach is Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s versatile forward. Filipowski has the unique ability to stretch the floor as a big man, capable of knocking down three-pointers, pulling up for mid-range shots, and finishing strong at the rim. However, his playmaking ability as a big man has set him apart from others. Filipowski has been great at using his size and vision to dish out assists, often from the high post or in transition, ensuring his teammates are fed the ball in optimal positions.

Filipowski’s passing skills have made him a central figure in Duke’s offense, and his unselfishness has helped the team maintain its fast-paced, assist-heavy style. He’s not simply looking for his own shot but is just as concerned with getting his teammates involved. His leadership and willingness to play within the team system have made him one of the most valuable players on the roster.

Mark Mitchell, a freshman wing, has also embraced Duke’s team-first mentality. Mitchell’s athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions have been huge for the Blue Devils on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s been an excellent cutter, finding opportunities for easy baskets by reading the defense and making himself available for passes. His ability to get to the rim and finish in transition has been key to Duke’s offensive balance.

Mitchell doesn’t force plays but instead waits for his teammates to set him up, contributing to the flow of the offense. His unselfishness in doing what’s best for the team rather than trying to play outside of the system has been a testament to the collective mentality that Scheyer has instilled.

The Benefits of Team Play: Improved Chemistry and Depth

The benefits of Duke’s assist-heavy offense are evident in their on-court chemistry and depth. With multiple players capable of contributing on any given night, the Blue Devils don’t have to rely on just one or two stars to carry the load. This dynamic creates opportunities for players to shine, regardless of their position on the court.

In games where the scoring load is spread out, the Blue Devils have been able to dominate on both ends of the floor. When opponents focus on one player, it allows other players to step up and make an impact. This versatility makes it difficult for defenses to focus on one player and allows Duke to maintain offensive efficiency even if a key player has an off night.

Moreover, Duke’s team-oriented play has strengthened their depth. With everyone involved in the offense, the team doesn’t lean too heavily on a single player to create scoring opportunities. This balance makes the Blue Devils an even more dangerous team as the season progresses and as they enter postseason play, where every game becomes more crucial.

The Future: Can the Blue Devils Continue Their Success?

As Duke continues its pursuit of an NCAA championship, their assist-heavy approach will likely continue to be a major factor in their success. Their team-oriented style of play has set them apart from other elite teams and is a big reason why they have been so difficult to beat this season. The Blue Devils have bought into the idea that sharing the basketball leads to the most success, and their commitment to this philosophy has made them one of the most well-rounded teams in college basketball.

As the season progresses, the key for Duke will be maintaining this level of unselfishness, especially as they face tougher competition. If the Blue Devils can continue to play the same brand of team basketball, they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with come tournament time. Their ability to make the right pass, share the ball, and create opportunities for everyone on the floor could very well be the difference between a deep run and an early exit in the NCAA tournament.

In the end, Duke’s team-first mentality could be the key to their success this season. The Blue Devils have shown that they’re more than capable of sharing the spotlight and ensuring that everyone gets involved. With such a talented roster, Duke’s ability to “see everybody eat” could propel them to greater heights and potentially land them another national championship.