Odds say Jon Scheyer is the favorite to win his second ACC Tournament Championship

As the college basketball season heats up, the Duke Blue Devils have emerged as one of the top teams in the nation under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer. Following a highly successful first season at the helm of the storied program, Scheyer is now poised to lead his team toward a second ACC Tournament Championship. With a blend of elite talent, a strong system, and a renewed focus on development, the Blue Devils have established themselves as the favorite to take home the title in 2025.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in college basketball, and winning it is a key marker of success for any program. Historically, the Blue Devils have dominated the conference, with a legacy of success under Mike Krzyzewski, including numerous ACC titles and national championships. Now, with Scheyer at the helm, Duke is looking to continue that tradition, and the odds reflect their prominence and potential.

In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why Jon Scheyer is viewed as the favorite to win his second ACC Tournament Championship, as well as what makes this year’s Duke team a formidable force on the road to the title.

The Success of Jon Scheyer’s Coaching Philosophy

When Jon Scheyer took over as head coach in 2022, he inherited a program that was coming off the legendary tenure of Coach K. The transition was expected to be challenging, but Scheyer quickly proved that he was more than capable of maintaining Duke’s success. His ability to manage the pressures of the job, recruit top talent, and instill a culture of excellence has made him a standout young coach.

Scheyer’s coaching style has evolved into one that blends elements of both offensive and defensive brilliance. The former Duke guard, known for his shooting ability, has brought a modernized, up-tempo offense to the Blue Devils’ playbook, one that focuses on spacing, ball movement, and player versatility. He has emphasized developing multiple scoring threats from different positions on the floor, allowing Duke to keep opponents off balance.

Equally important, Scheyer has maintained Duke’s defensive identity, one that is aggressive, disciplined, and focused on forcing turnovers. His system requires players to be smart with the basketball and tenacious on defense, two qualities that have always been cornerstones of Duke’s success.

Scheyer’s leadership has been critical in maintaining the program’s high standards while adapting to the changing dynamics of college basketball. His emphasis on player development, team chemistry, and mental toughness has made Duke a formidable opponent in any situation. As the season progresses, it’s clear that the Blue Devils are coming together as a well-oiled machine, making Scheyer a strong contender to claim his second ACC Tournament Championship.

Duke’s Impressive Roster: A Perfect Blend of Talent and Experience

While coaching has been a significant factor in Duke’s success, the Blue Devils’ roster has also been a major reason why they are the favorites to win the ACC Tournament Championship. The team features a mix of elite freshmen and experienced upperclassmen, giving them the perfect balance of youthful energy and veteran leadership.

Cooper Flagg: The Phenomenal Freshman

At the heart of Duke’s title hopes is Cooper Flagg, one of the top players in the 2025 recruiting class. Flagg, a versatile forward, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him an ideal fit in Scheyer’s system. As a freshman, Flagg is already an NCAA Tournament-caliber player, and his impact on both ends of the floor makes him a potential ACC Player of the Year contender.

Flagg’s ability to score inside, stretch the floor, and defend at a high level is a game-changer for the Blue Devils. His presence in the post and ability to match up against elite competition gives Duke an edge over many of its ACC rivals. With Flagg continuing to improve throughout the season, his performance could be the difference between winning and losing in the ACC Tournament.

Kyle Filipowski: The Anchor in the Paint

In addition to Flagg, Kyle Filipowski has been a key contributor for Duke this season. The sophomore forward is an incredible presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Filipowski has proven to be a reliable scorer and rebounder, and his ability to protect the rim has made him one of the most impactful players in the ACC.

Filipowski’s versatility allows him to play inside and outside, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. His leadership and ability to anchor Duke’s defense provide the Blue Devils with a solid foundation, especially in high-pressure tournament settings. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Filipowski is a player to watch as Duke looks to make a run for the ACC Tournament title.

Tyrese Proctor: A Playmaking Maestro

Another key player for Duke is Tyrese Proctor, a dynamic guard who has emerged as one of the most reliable playmakers on the team. Proctor’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates and his knack for hitting clutch shots make him one of the most dangerous guards in the ACC. His vision and basketball IQ are crucial in running Scheyer’s offense, and his decision-making in the high-pressure moments of the tournament will be vital to Duke’s success.

Proctor has the ability to take over games when necessary, and his ability to balance scoring with facilitating will be important as Duke seeks to make a deep tournament run. His leadership on the floor and ability to make plays in critical moments set him apart as one of the most important players for the Blue Devils.

Jeremy Roach: The Veteran Leader

Jeremy Roach, Duke’s veteran point guard, brings experience and composure to the table. A key player in Duke’s run to the Final Four in 2023, Roach has proven time and again that he can perform under pressure. His ability to distribute the ball, score when needed, and keep the team focused has been invaluable to Duke’s success.

Roach’s leadership and poise will be critical for Duke in the ACC Tournament, where experienced players often rise to the occasion. His ability to take control in clutch situations could be the difference in tight games, and he’ll be leaned on heavily by Scheyer to guide the Blue Devils through the tournament’s high-pressure moments.

Duke’s Depth: A Key Factor in Tournament Play

One of the reasons Duke is the favorite to win the 2025 ACC Tournament Championship is their depth. While the team has standout stars in Flagg, Filipowski, Proctor, and Roach, the Blue Devils also have a deep bench that can contribute in critical moments. Players like Mark Mitchell, Jaden Schutt, and Sean Stewart provide valuable minutes and can step up when needed. This depth allows Scheyer to manage his players’ workloads and keep them fresh for the intensity of tournament play.

In tournament settings, depth is often the deciding factor. Duke’s ability to go 9 or 10 players deep means they can keep up the defensive pressure and maintain offensive execution even as fatigue sets in. This depth will be crucial in the grueling tournament environment, where teams are often forced to play multiple games in a short span of time.

Duke’s ACC Tournament Record and Legacy

Duke has a storied history in the ACC Tournament, with 21 championships to their name, the most in the conference’s history. Under the leadership of Mike Krzyzewski, Duke was a perennial powerhouse in the ACC, consistently competing for titles year in and year out. Now, under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are looking to add to that legacy.

Scheyer has already proven himself capable of coaching at the highest level, and his early success has many believing that a second ACC Tournament Championship is well within reach. With a roster full of talent, a coach who has shown his ability to handle the pressure of tournament basketball, and the legacy of Duke’s program, it’s no wonder that the Blue Devils are the favorites heading into the 2025 ACC Tournament.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While Duke is undoubtedly the favorite, the ACC Tournament is never easy. The Blue Devils will face stiff competition from perennial contenders like Virginia, North Carolina, and Miami, all of whom have the talent and experience to challenge for the title. Additionally, teams like Florida State and Clemson have been known to pull off upsets in the tournament, adding further unpredictability.

Nevertheless, Duke’s combination of elite talent, depth, and coaching makes them the team to beat. If they can maintain their focus and execute their game plan, they have the tools to secure a second ACC Tournament Championship under Jon Scheyer.

As Duke enters the 2025 ACC Tournament, Jon Scheyer and his team are in an excellent position to claim another championship. With a roster brimming with talent, depth, and experience, the Blue Devils are the favorites to win it all. Jon Scheyer’s leadership, combined with the exceptional play of players like Cooper Flagg, Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, and Jeremy Roach, makes Duke a formidable contender. As the tournament unfolds, it will be exciting to see if Duke can add another title to their rich history under their new head coach.