Why Brendan Marks selected Duke over another 1-seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament brackets In Florida.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament was expected to be a thrilling ride, with top-tier teams battling it out for supremacy. As the brackets were revealed, fans and analysts alike couldn’t help but speculate on the teams that would make deep runs and ultimately hoist the national championship trophy. Among the most intriguing decisions was that of Brendan Marks, a highly regarded recruit in the 2025 class, who had been heavily pursued by multiple top programs, including the #1 seed in the South Region, Florida. In a twist that surprised many, Marks chose to commit to Duke, another 1-seed in the bracket, despite Florida’s seemingly perfect fit for his skills and aspirations. So, why did Marks select the Blue Devils over the Gators, and what did it mean for the future of college basketball?
The Context: An Impressive 2025 NCAA Tournament Field
The 2025 NCAA Tournament was one for the books. With a number of elite teams vying for the top spots, the bracket was filled with heavyweights like Duke, Florida, Kansas, and Purdue. The South Region, which featured Florida as the #1 seed, was particularly competitive, with a number of up-and-coming teams eager to challenge the established powerhouses.
Duke, under head coach Jon Scheyer, had been on an upward trajectory since his appointment, leading a program that was filled with young, dynamic players. Florida, on the other hand, had seen a resurgence under head coach Todd Golden, who had revitalized the Gators’ roster and culture. Florida boasted a combination of returning stars and promising newcomers, and their position as a top seed in the tournament was a reflection of their hard work and potential.
Brendan Marks, a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, found himself in the middle of this whirlwind. As a five-star recruit with the ability to play multiple positions and make an immediate impact on either end of the floor, Marks was a player who could elevate any program he joined. He had the choice between two of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country, both with championship aspirations in the 2025 tournament: Duke and Florida.
The Florida Connection: Why Florida Was a Strong Contender
Florida’s appeal to Marks was undeniable. For one, Todd Golden had successfully transformed the Gators into one of the most balanced teams in the country, with a potent mix of shooting, defense, and athleticism. The Gators had a number of seasoned players, including standout guard Tyree Appleby and forward Colin Castleton, both of whom had proven themselves in the SEC and at the national level. Florida’s style of play was based on strong perimeter shooting, fast-paced offense, and a smothering defense.
From a personal standpoint, Marks had a deep connection to Florida. His family had a long history of support for the Gators, and he had grown up watching them play, idolizing their past stars. Florida felt like a homecoming of sorts for the young recruit, and it seemed that the Gators were in prime position to land him. Golden had made a concerted effort to recruit Marks early on, building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding of how he could fit into the program.
The allure of immediate playing time was also significant for Marks when considering Florida. Golden had a knack for developing young talent, and the Gators were looking to replace several key players after the tournament run, opening the door for incoming recruits like Marks to come in and contribute right away. Given his skillset, Marks could slide into Florida’s offensive system as a dynamic wing player who could score from anywhere on the floor while also contributing defensively.
Moreover, Florida was poised to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Their high seeding meant they had a relatively favorable bracket, and with their depth and versatile roster, it was reasonable to assume that they could make it to the Final Four and even compete for a national title. This combination of familiarity, immediate opportunity, and championship potential made Florida an enticing destination for the rising star.
Duke’s Appeal: A Legacy of Success and Development
While Florida had a compelling case, Duke was far from an afterthought in Marks’ decision-making process. As one of the most storied programs in college basketball, Duke represented the pinnacle of success, and the opportunity to join a team with such a rich history was something that could not be overlooked. Duke had already cemented itself as one of the favorites in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, with a loaded roster that included a mix of seasoned veterans and highly talented freshmen.
At the heart of Duke’s program was head coach Jon Scheyer, who had taken the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski after his retirement. Scheyer had quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in college basketball, known for his innovative coaching and ability to relate to his players. Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke had continued its legacy of developing elite talent and competing for national championships year in and year out.
For a player like Marks, the opportunity to play under Scheyer and be a part of the Blue Devils’ elite basketball culture was immensely appealing. Duke’s program was built on a foundation of discipline, team-first mentality, and relentless competition. Scheyer’s ability to develop players, particularly in the areas of basketball IQ, decision-making, and leadership, was a major selling point for Marks. Many believed that under Scheyer’s guidance, Marks could refine his game, elevate his skills, and be prepared for a future in the NBA.
Beyond the coaching staff, Duke’s basketball facilities were second to none. The Cameron Indoor Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere, had been the site of countless unforgettable moments in college basketball history. To be a part of that environment—especially during March Madness—was something that couldn’t be ignored.
Duke also offered the opportunity to compete at the highest level, both in the ACC and nationally. The program consistently contended for national championships and made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. This year, Duke was a #1 seed in the East Region, and they had one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. For Marks, the chance to compete for a national title with a team that had an impeccable tournament pedigree was hard to pass up.
Why Brendan Marks Chose Duke Over Florida
After careful consideration, Marks made the decision to commit to Duke, much to the delight of Blue Devils fans and the disappointment of Gators supporters. While Florida had a compelling case, Marks ultimately chose the program with the tradition, coaching, and national title aspirations that Duke offered. But what were the key factors that led to his decision?
- Development and Coaching: One of the biggest draws for Marks was the opportunity to be coached by Jon Scheyer, who had quickly become one of the top coaches in the country. Scheyer’s approach to player development, particularly for players looking to make the jump to the NBA, was a key factor in Marks’ decision. The Blue Devils had a proven track record of preparing players for professional success, and that was something Marks couldn’t ignore.
- National Championship Potential: While Florida had its own championship aspirations, Marks recognized that Duke was in prime position to contend for the national title in 2025. With a team full of talented players, including Tyrese Proctor, Kyle Filipowski, and Derrick Lively II, Duke had all the pieces to make a deep run in the tournament. The chance to compete for a national title in his freshman season was something Marks saw as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Legacy and Tradition: Duke’s rich history and legacy were hard to ignore. From the legendary Mike Krzyzewski to the current program under Scheyer, Duke represented a program with a commitment to excellence. For a player like Marks, joining a program with such a rich tradition of success was an opportunity to add to that legacy.
- The Duke Experience: From the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium to the unparalleled fan support, Marks knew that the Duke experience would be unlike anything else in college basketball. The chance to play in front of passionate fans in one of the most famous arenas in sports was a major draw for the young recruit.
- Long-Term NBA Goals: Marks had his eyes set on the NBA, and he recognized that Duke provided him with the best opportunity to reach that goal. With a coaching staff that had a proven track record of developing NBA talent and a program that consistently produced top-tier players, Marks felt that Duke would give him the platform he needed to succeed at the next level.
The Impact of Brendan Marks’ Decision on the 2025 NCAA Tournament
Marks’ decision to commit to Duke had a significant impact on the 2025 NCAA Tournament, particularly in the East Region. As the #1 seed in that region, Duke entered the tournament with the added momentum of having secured one of the top recruits in the country. Marks’ commitment also brought additional attention to the Blue Devils’ already-talented roster, and many saw them as the team to beat.
Duke’s championship aspirations were further solidified by the decision of Marks, and his arrival promised to make an already-loaded team even more dangerous. For fans of Duke basketball, the future was bright with the addition of Marks, who was expected to make an immediate impact in the tournament and beyond.
In the end, while both Florida and Duke had their merits, it was Duke’s combination of coaching, tradition, and championship potential that won out in the end. Brendan Marks’ decision to choose the Blue Devils over the Gators was a game-changer, and it would go down as one of the most talked-about recruiting decisions of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As the tournament progressed, all eyes were on Marks and Duke, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how the young recruit would contribute to the team’s championship pursuit.
