The Duke Blue Devils powered their way to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament, and while they ultimately fell to the Houston Cougars after a disastrous final stretch, it marked one of the program’s most successful seasons since their national championship run in 2015

The 2024-2025 season will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in the history of Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball. Under the guidance of Jon Scheyer, Duke powered its way through the regular season, captured an impressive ACC Tournament title, and made a captivating run all the way to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Although they ultimately fell short in the Final Four against the formidable Houston Cougars, this season showcased the incredible talent, grit, and potential of a Blue Devils team that lived up to the expectations of fans and experts alike.

Duke’s journey to the Final Four was characterized by thrilling games, standout performances, and a combination of both individual brilliance and collective cohesion. As the season unfolded, it became clear that the Blue Devils were a force to be reckoned with, boasting one of the most talented rosters in college basketball. Despite the heart-wrenching loss in the Final Four, this year’s run marked a major step forward for the program as it continues to evolve under Scheyer’s leadership. Let’s dive into the specifics of Duke’s unforgettable season, the impact of key players, the challenges they faced, and what lies ahead for this storied program.

The Road to the Final Four: Duke’s Resilient Journey

The 2024-2025 season for Duke began with high expectations. After a tumultuous transition period in the previous season, the Blue Devils entered the year with a talented mix of returning players, freshmen, and transfers. As always, the Blue Devils’ goal was clear: to return to the Final Four, and eventually, to capture their sixth national title. The team had the talent to make a deep tournament run, but there were also questions about whether they could live up to the hype, especially after falling short in the previous season’s NCAA Tournament.

Duke’s regular season was a rollercoaster ride. There were a few bumps along the way, including some unexpected losses, but the team was driven by a few key constants. The leadership of Jon Scheyer, Duke’s second-year head coach, was evident throughout. Scheyer, who took over for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, had built a culture centered around fast-paced offense, aggressive defense, and unselfish ball movement. The Blue Devils played a brand of basketball that was both exciting and effective, earning them the top seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament.

As the regular season came to a close, the Blue Devils entered the ACC Tournament with confidence. Duke would go on to capture the conference title in a thrilling ACC Championship Game. In doing so, they cemented their place as one of the premier teams in the country, and the tournament victory boosted their momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament.

The NCAA Tournament: A March to Remember

Duke entered the NCAA Tournament with a sense of purpose. After securing their place in the tournament with the ACC Championship, the Blue Devils were eager to prove themselves on the national stage. The tournament bracket set up some intriguing matchups, but the team’s focus remained on one goal: reaching the Final Four in Houston.

First and Second Rounds: Dominating Performances

Duke’s run began in dominating fashion. In their first-round game, the Blue Devils faced a lower-seeded opponent, but they quickly showed why they were one of the top teams in the country. Behind stellar performances from their key players, including Tyrese Proctor, Kyle Filipowski, and Mark Mitchell, Duke cruised to a comfortable win. Proctor’s leadership as a point guard was key in running the offense, while Filipowski’s inside presence and scoring ability were simply too much for their opponents to handle. The team’s defense, anchored by Mitchell’s versatility and athleticism, suffocated the opposition and allowed Duke to build an insurmountable lead early in the game.

In the second round, Duke faced a more challenging opponent, but once again, they were more than up to the task. With the game hanging in the balance, the Blue Devils demonstrated their poise and composure, never flinching under pressure. Tyrese Proctor continued to shine, orchestrating the offense and making key plays in clutch moments. Filipowski, who had been a standout throughout the season, delivered another dominant performance in the paint. Duke’s defensive intensity was on full display, as they shut down their opponent’s offense and held them to a low shooting percentage.

Sweet Sixteen: A Battle for the Ages

The Sweet Sixteen was where things started to get more challenging for the Blue Devils. They faced an elite opponent that was known for its tenacious defense and high-powered offense. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the contest. Duke’s defense, however, proved to be the difference in the game. Mitchell, who had been a defensive standout all season, delivered multiple critical stops, while the team’s collective defensive effort frustrated their opponent at key moments.

In the final minutes of the game, the Blue Devils showed their mettle. With the game on the line, Duke’s offense executed with precision, and Proctor delivered a clutch three-pointer that gave Duke the lead. Filipowski, who had been a consistent force throughout the tournament, added crucial points in the closing moments, sealing the victory. As the buzzer sounded, the Blue Devils had secured their place in the Elite Eight, a step closer to their ultimate goal.

Elite Eight: A Thrilling Victory

The Elite Eight was another test of Duke’s resolve. In a thrilling contest that featured star players on both sides, the Blue Devils faced off against a team with a high-powered offense and a strong frontcourt presence. The game was tight throughout, with neither team able to pull away for much of the second half.

Once again, it was Tyrese Proctor who stepped up when it mattered most. The Australian guard showcased his all-around game, contributing with timely assists, rebounds, and key baskets. Filipowski continued to dominate in the paint, while Mitchell’s defensive prowess kept the opposing team’s star players in check. With time winding down, Duke found themselves in a one-possession game. In the final seconds, Mark Mitchell secured a crucial steal and dished out a key assist to Kyle Filipowski, who sank a clutch jumper to give Duke a hard-earned victory.

Final Four: A Dramatic Fall to Houston

With a trip to the National Championship Game on the line, Duke faced off against the Houston Cougars in the Final Four. Houston, one of the best teams in the country throughout the season, was known for its suffocating defense and balanced offensive attack. Duke’s matchup with the Cougars was expected to be a battle of contrasts: Duke’s high-paced offense and skilled players against Houston’s rugged, defensive style.

From the opening tip, it was clear that the game would be a physical, hard-fought contest. Duke’s offense, which had been clicking throughout the tournament, struggled to find its rhythm against Houston’s defense. The Cougars applied relentless pressure on Duke’s ballhandlers, forcing them into uncomfortable situations and limiting their offensive flow. Duke’s shooters, who had been lights out throughout the tournament, struggled to find their shots, and the Cougars took advantage of the Blue Devils’ mistakes.

As the game progressed, Duke’s defensive effort was admirable, but Houston’s depth and experience ultimately proved to be too much. With just under five minutes remaining, Duke found themselves trailing by double digits. Despite a valiant effort to claw back into the game, Duke was unable to overcome Houston’s lead, and the Cougars sealed the victory with a series of clutch free throws.

The final stretch was a difficult one for Duke fans to watch, as they had hoped to see their team advance to the championship game. However, despite the disappointment of the loss, there were many positive takeaways from the Blue Devils’ tournament run.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Duke Basketball

While the Blue Devils’ tournament run ended in heartbreak, their performance throughout the season and the NCAA Tournament demonstrated that the Duke men’s basketball program remains as strong as ever. Jon Scheyer’s leadership has brought a new energy to the program, and with a mix of young talent and experienced players, the future is bright for Duke.

Key players like Tyrese Proctor, Kyle Filipowski, and Mark Mitchell will likely return to lead the team next season, with the added benefit of another year of development under their belts. Duke’s recruiting class, which continues to attract some of the top high school talent in the country, will ensure that the Blue Devils remain one of the top programs in college basketball for years to come.

While the loss to Houston in the Final Four was painful, it will serve as motivation for the Blue Devils to continue their pursuit of a sixth national championship. As Duke looks to build on the success of this season, they will aim to return to the top of college basketball, and perhaps, capture that elusive national title.

For now, Duke’s 2024-2025 season will be remembered as one of resilience, determination, and promise. While they fell short of their ultimate goal, the Blue Devils showed that they are a force to be reckoned with, and the future of Duke men’s basketball is in great hands.