How both Duke basketball teams are embracing each other like family during March Madness.

As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament progresses, the Duke Blue Devils have captured the hearts of fans across the nation, not only for their on-court performances but also for the unity, chemistry, and sense of togetherness they have shown. For a program as storied as Duke, this Final Four run under Jon Scheyer has been a new chapter in the history of the Blue Devils—one in which both the current team and the legacies of past teams have come together as one. During March Madness, the Duke basketball family has shown an extraordinary bond that has transcended beyond basketball and become a testament to the importance of teamwork, leadership, and community.

The sense of unity and family within the Duke basketball program, in both its current and past iterations, has been the backbone of the team’s success throughout this year’s tournament. From Jon Scheyer, the head coach in his second season, to the veteran players, the freshmen, and even the mentorship of the alumni and former coaches, the Blue Devils have exemplified the idea of “family” in both their approach to the game and their collective support for one another during the grueling days of March Madness.

The Heart of Family: Jon Scheyer’s Leadership

In his second year as head coach, Jon Scheyer has proven himself as a leader who has learned from one of the greatest coaches of all time, Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K’s legacy looms large over the program, and while Scheyer has forged his own identity, he has carried forward the values instilled by his predecessor. One of the central values that Scheyer has embraced is the concept of family—a value that has guided the Duke basketball program for decades.

“I’ve learned from Coach K that the essence of Duke basketball is more than just the game,” Scheyer said in an interview. “It’s about building relationships, being there for your teammates, and supporting each other both on and off the court. At Duke, we are a family, and that’s what has helped us get to this point in March Madness.”

Scheyer’s approach to leadership has been defined by his ability to connect with his players. Whether it’s a one-on-one conversation or simply leading by example, he has created a culture where players are encouraged to support one another, regardless of their roles on the team. That connection between coach and player has become especially evident as the team progresses through the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament.

“Coaching is about trust,” Scheyer continued. “If the players trust you, and you trust them, that bond allows you to achieve incredible things. This team has embraced each other like family from day one, and that’s been the driving force behind our success.”

From Freshmen to Seniors: The Close-Knit Duke Family

Duke’s roster in 2025 is a mix of seasoned veterans and talented freshmen who have seamlessly blended into one cohesive unit. The leadership of the upperclassmen has been essential in helping the younger players adjust to the bright lights of March Madness. But what’s remarkable is how the freshmen, led by standout player Cooper Flagg, have not only been embraced by the veterans but have also found ways to contribute to the team’s success. The mentorship from the older players has made the transition smoother for the first-year players, and it has helped foster the deep sense of camaraderie that’s evident on and off the court.

Cooper Flagg, who has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025 tournament, has repeatedly mentioned how important the team’s family-like environment has been in his development. “When I first got here, I was nervous about how I’d fit in with the team,” Flagg confessed. “But the older guys, like Jeremy [Roach] and Kyle [Filipowski], made sure that I felt like I belonged. They took me under their wing, and that’s helped me perform in these big games. It’s not just about playing basketball; it’s about being there for each other as family.”

Veteran Leadership: Roach, Filipowski, and the Glue That Holds It Together

For the Duke Blue Devils, the senior players have played an instrumental role in creating the family dynamic that defines the team’s success. Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski, two of the team’s veterans, have been the emotional anchors for the team. Both players have been through the highs and lows of college basketball, and their leadership has been pivotal in helping the younger players stay focused during the chaotic moments of the NCAA Tournament.

Jeremy Roach, the team’s captain, has been the voice of reason on the floor. His experience and poise under pressure have guided the Blue Devils through the toughest moments of March Madness. Roach’s ability to keep the team calm during high-stakes games has been essential, and his leadership extends beyond the court. “Jeremy is more than just a great player,” Scheyer said. “He’s the glue that holds everything together. His leadership is a huge reason why we’re in this position today.”

Filipowski, who is equally vocal, is another example of the veteran presence that has helped steer Duke through March Madness. The power forward has been a rock on both ends of the court, providing valuable minutes and always ensuring that the younger players feel supported. Filipowski, a natural leader, made it clear that his role on the team was not just about his performance but also about setting the tone for the younger players to succeed. “We’re all here to help each other out,” Filipowski said. “As seniors, we understand that it’s our job to pass on the knowledge we’ve gained. It’s about making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident.”

The Role of Alumni and Former Coaches: The Duke Family Legacy

One of the unique aspects of Duke basketball is the deep connection between the current players and the program’s alumni. Duke’s former players, many of whom went on to have successful NBA careers, have remained closely involved with the team. During the 2025 tournament run, several former players have offered support and guidance to the current players, reinforcing the notion that Duke basketball is a family that stretches across generations.

Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary head coach who retired in 2022 after over four decades of success, has remained a key figure in the lives of the current players. Though he no longer coaches the team, his mentorship has continued. During Duke’s NCAA Tournament run, Coach K has often been seen attending practices, offering advice, and sharing his experiences with the team.

“Coach K’s influence is still felt every day,” Scheyer said. “He’s always available to help with advice, and he’s a great sounding board for me. But more importantly, he’s always encouraging our guys to be the best versions of themselves—not just as players but as people.”

Duke’s alumni have also remained deeply involved in the program. Many former players, including Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, and Zion Williamson, have shown their support for the team, offering words of encouragement and sharing their experiences with the current roster. This level of support from the alumni network further reinforces the idea that Duke basketball is more than just a team; it’s a family.

Christian Laettner, who played for Coach K during Duke’s most successful years, spoke about the importance of family within the program. “Duke is unique in that the bond between the players, the coaches, and the alumni is unbreakable,” Laettner said. “You feel like you’re part of something much bigger than just playing basketball. It’s about carrying on a tradition and knowing that you’re part of a family that’s been built over generations.”

Family Beyond Basketball: The Bonds of Friendship

What stands out most about the 2025 Duke basketball team is not just their success on the court, but the relationships they’ve forged off of it. Players often speak about the friendships they’ve built with one another and the sense of brotherhood that extends beyond the locker room. In moments of adversity, it’s these bonds that keep the team together.

During the tournament, when the games have gotten tough, the players have leaned on each other for support. In the close victories and nail-biting moments, it’s been the constant reassurance from teammates that has kept the Blue Devils grounded. “We’ve got each other’s backs no matter what,” Flagg said. “It’s not just about the game; it’s about being there for your brothers, and I think that’s why we’ve been able to come through in big moments.”

The friendships formed during their time together have transcended basketball and have created a lasting sense of family that will endure long after the final buzzer sounds in the national championship game. This sense of brotherhood is something that the Blue Devils have carried with them into every game during the NCAA Tournament.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Legacy of Family

As the Blue Devils prepare for their upcoming Final Four matchup, it’s clear that the sense of family within the program is stronger than ever. Duke basketball’s success is no longer just about the individual talents on the court but about the collective bond that makes them greater than the sum of their parts.

For Jon Scheyer, this family dynamic is not just something he’s building—it’s something that has been passed down to him from Coach K and the generations of players who have come before him. “Duke is a family,” Scheyer said. “And that’s what makes us special. No matter where we are or who we play, we know we’re in this together.”

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament continues and the Blue Devils chase their next national championship, it’s evident that their success isn’t just defined by their basketball skills, but by the unwavering support, trust, and love they have for one another. The Duke basketball family, with its deep ties to history and its commitment to unity, is primed to make its mark on March Madness once again. And for Coach K, Jon Scheyer, and every player who has worn a Duke jersey, the family bond remains the most powerful force on and off the court.