According to Stephen A. Smith, Duke basketball is ready for a run at the NCAA Tournament championship.

Stephen A. Smith Thinks Duke Basketball Is Primed for an NCAA Tournament Championship Run

In the world of college basketball, expectations are often shaped by a combination of legacy, talent, and coaching acumen. Few programs fit this mold better than the Duke Blue Devils, a team that has been a perennial powerhouse under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski and continues to make noise even after his retirement. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, there’s been significant buzz surrounding the Blue Devils, especially after their strong performance during the regular season and the development of their talented roster.

One of the most outspoken proponents of Duke’s championship potential is Stephen A. Smith, the charismatic sports commentator known for his passionate takes on various sports topics. A staple on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. is never shy about expressing his opinions, particularly when it comes to basketball. Recently, he weighed in on Duke’s chances of making a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, and his analysis has sparked a renewed sense of optimism for the Blue Devils’ faithful. Smith believes that Duke basketball is not only capable of making it to the Final Four but is actually primed for a national championship. Let’s break down why Stephen A. Smith holds this bold opinion and explore the key factors that could propel Duke to the pinnacle of college basketball.

A Legacy of Championship Pedigree

Duke basketball has always been a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament. With five national championships, 16 Final Four appearances, and 27 ACC titles, the Blue Devils are synonymous with elite college basketball. Under Mike Krzyzewski, Duke established itself as one of the most dominant and consistent programs in the nation. While Coach K retired in 2022 after 42 years at the helm, the program’s legacy and brand of basketball continue under his successor, Jon Scheyer.

Scheyer, a former Duke player and assistant coach, took the reins in 2022 after Coach K’s retirement. While many questioned how the transition would affect the program, Scheyer’s success has been undeniable. His familiarity with the program’s values and culture allowed him to quickly adapt, leading the Blue Devils to a competitive season and a solid recruiting class. In fact, Scheyer has built a squad that blends experience with youthful energy, making Duke one of the most dangerous teams in the nation heading into March Madness.

Stephen A. Smith, who is no stranger to the program’s rich history, believes that the weight of Duke’s pedigree alone makes them a formidable contender in the tournament. In discussing Duke’s championship aspirations, Smith emphasized that the team is not only looking to win for the present but also to continue the storied tradition of excellence established by Coach K.

“Duke basketball is about more than just the players on the court,” Smith said. “It’s about a legacy. A legacy of success. A legacy of knowing what it takes to win at the highest level. That’s why I believe this team, under Jon Scheyer, has what it takes to make a run at the national championship.”

Talented Roster with NBA Potential

Duke’s roster this season is loaded with talent, and that’s another reason why Stephen A. Smith is high on their chances. The Blue Devils boast a mix of experienced players and elite freshmen who bring both skill and athleticism to the court. Among the standout players on Duke’s roster is Kyle Filipowski, a 6’11” forward who has taken on the role of team leader this season. Filipowski has been a force on both ends of the floor, providing scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability. His size, combined with his versatility, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, and he is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Additionally, Duke’s freshman class is loaded with high-level prospects who have already made an impact. Tyrese Proctor, a 6’5” guard from Australia, has emerged as a dynamic playmaker and floor general for the Blue Devils. His ability to control the pace of the game and distribute the ball has made him a key contributor to Duke’s success this season. Proctor’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ gives Duke an extra layer of depth that could prove invaluable during the tournament.

Another player to watch is Mark Mitchell, a forward with impressive athleticism and defensive ability. Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance, and his all-around game could play a critical role in Duke’s quest for a championship. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor adds versatility to the Blue Devils’ lineup.

Stephen A. Smith, in his analysis, praised the talent on Duke’s roster and pointed out that the Blue Devils are one of the most complete teams in the nation. “Duke’s roster is stacked,” Smith said. “Filipowski, Proctor, Mitchell—they’re not just talented individuals, they complement each other perfectly. That’s what makes Duke such a dangerous team. They have guys who can step up and make big plays when it matters most.”

The balance between experience and youth is one of Duke’s greatest strengths. While the freshmen bring excitement and energy, the experienced players provide leadership and stability. This combination of factors positions Duke as a well-rounded team capable of competing with the best.

Coaching Under Jon Scheyer

As mentioned, Jon Scheyer inherited a program that was built on the foundation of Coach K’s principles—team-first mentality, strong defense, and disciplined offense. But Scheyer is far from just a coach trying to live up to the legacy of his predecessor. He’s an innovative mind who has put his own stamp on the program. His ability to adapt and connect with players has been crucial in Duke’s success under his leadership.

While Scheyer is still early in his head coaching career, he’s already proven that he’s capable of guiding the Blue Devils to success on the big stage. Under his direction, Duke has continued to recruit top talent and has remained competitive in the ACC. The program’s style of play, with a focus on defense, fast breaks, and balanced offensive execution, mirrors that of Coach K’s teams. Scheyer has also displayed an ability to make crucial in-game adjustments, which is vital during the NCAA Tournament, where games can often be decided by a few key moments.

Stephen A. Smith highlighted Scheyer’s ability to manage pressure as one of the key reasons why he believes Duke is primed for a championship run. “Jon Scheyer is calm under pressure,” Smith said. “He’s a brilliant coach who knows how to get the best out of his players. He’s not just relying on Duke’s name and history—he’s creating something special with this team. If there’s anyone who can handle the intensity of March Madness, it’s Scheyer.”

The Blueprint for Success in March Madness

When evaluating Duke’s potential to win the NCAA Tournament, Stephen A. Smith also pointed to the team’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations—something that is crucial for success in March. The NCAA Tournament is a high-stakes environment where games are often decided by moments of brilliance, and Duke’s combination of veteran leadership and talented young players gives them the tools to thrive in that environment.

Duke has the necessary ingredients to make a deep run in the tournament. They have an elite defense, which is essential for winning in March. With players like Filipowski and Mitchell, who can guard multiple positions, Duke can make life difficult for opposing offenses. On the offensive end, the Blue Devils are balanced, with multiple players capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Whether it’s Filipowski in the post, Proctor on the perimeter, or Mitchell in transition, Duke has a diverse offensive attack that can keep opponents guessing.

Furthermore, Duke’s experience in close games and high-pressure situations will serve them well in the tournament. As the regular season progresses, they have faced and overcome challenges that have prepared them for the grind of March Madness. The team’s mental toughness, coupled with the ability to perform under pressure, is one of the key factors that make Stephen A. Smith confident in Duke’s chances.

The Road to the Title

In order to win the national championship, Duke will need to navigate through some of the toughest competition in the NCAA Tournament. While the Blue Devils have proven themselves against top-tier opponents throughout the season, March Madness is unpredictable, and every team will be giving its best effort. However, given Duke’s talent, depth, coaching, and championship pedigree, Stephen A. Smith believes they have what it takes to win it all.

“I’m telling you right now, Duke is a championship-caliber team,” Smith stated. “They’ve got the talent, the coaching, and the experience to get to the top. With players like Filipowski and Proctor, and a coach like Jon Scheyer, I’m not betting against them. They’re ready for this moment.”

As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the Blue Devils’ path to the title may be filled with challenges, but with the combination of talented players, strong coaching, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win in March, they are undoubtedly one of the teams to watch.