The Chronicle’s rivalry report on Duke men’s basketball for 2024–25

The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team enters the 2024–25 season with high expectations and intense rivalry matchups ahead. As always, the Blue Devils will be a central figure in the highly competitive ACC, and with their storied history, they are once again positioned as a championship contender. But what makes the 2024–25 season particularly exciting is the fierce rivalries Duke is set to face—most notably, their annual matchups with the North Carolina Tar Heels, one of the most iconic rivalries in all of college sports.

Rivalries in college basketball are the heartbeat of the season. The electricity in the air, the crowd’s energy, the heightened stakes—every game becomes a battle for pride, bragging rights, and championship implications. This Chronicle Rivalry Report aims to break down Duke’s key rivalries, how they might unfold in the 2024–25 season, and what the stakes are for Coach Jon Scheyer’s team.

The Blue Devils’ 2024–25 Outlook

Under the guidance of Jon Scheyer, who enters his third season as Duke’s head coach, the Blue Devils are looking to build on a solid foundation established over the previous seasons. Duke boasts a potent mix of returning talent, including star players such as guard Jeremy Roach and forward Kyle Filipowski. They also bring in a highly touted freshman class, including players like Jaden Schutt, a sharpshooter who could make an immediate impact, and the versatile Maliq Brown, whose development as a key defensive presence will be crucial for Duke’s success.

Duke’s roster in 2024–25 is a mix of veteran experience and youthful exuberance. Roach, who has played in multiple NCAA tournaments, offers a level of leadership and stability at the point guard position. Filipowski, the team’s star forward, will be expected to continue his strong play both inside and from the perimeter. Duke’s offense, built around quick transitions, sharp shooting, and floor spacing, will undoubtedly make them a tough team to beat, but it’s their defense—anchored by Brown and others—that will define their ability to contend for a national championship.

Rivalry games, though, have their own unique dynamics. These are not simply games on the schedule; they are contests that determine a team’s reputation, its pride, and often its standing in the national conversation.

The North Carolina Tar Heels: The Ultimate Rivalry

Duke’s most high-profile rivalry remains with the North Carolina Tar Heels. The rivalry between these two programs is one of the greatest in the history of college basketball. It is marked by intense competition, national title implications, and passionate fanbases. For players, fans, and alumni, these matchups are more than just games—they are cultural events, and the outcome often dictates the mood for the entire season.

In the 2024–25 season, North Carolina will again be a major player in the ACC. With veteran leaders like Armando Bacot, one of the premier big men in the country, and rising stars like R.J. Davis and Caleb Love, the Tar Heels will bring an experienced and potent offense to the court. Bacot, in particular, will be a key focal point in the rivalry games. His ability to dominate the paint and control the glass will challenge Duke’s interior defense, and the Blue Devils will need to make adjustments to limit Bacot’s impact on both ends of the floor.

Duke’s rivalry with North Carolina extends beyond just the players—it’s a clash of philosophies, cultures, and pride. Both schools have rich histories, and every meeting in this rivalry carries tremendous weight. The Tar Heels and Blue Devils have shared the ACC crown multiple times, and this season will once again have serious implications for the conference title race.

For Duke, the rivalry is about not only continuing their dominance in the ACC but also making a statement on the national stage. The win over North Carolina can shape their momentum throughout the rest of the season, especially when both teams are likely to be in the hunt for high NCAA Tournament seeds.

While the rivalry is often framed by individual matchups—Duke’s Filipowski vs. UNC’s Bacot, or Roach’s playmaking vs. Davis’ scoring—what sets the rivalry apart is the atmosphere. The energy in the building when these two teams meet is unparalleled, and with the Blue Devils looking to further cement their position as a title contender, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Virginia Cavaliers: A Growing Rivalry

Though not as historic as the Duke-UNC rivalry, the Blue Devils’ rivalry with the Virginia Cavaliers has become one of the most intriguing in recent years. Virginia, under head coach Tony Bennett, has emerged as one of the toughest and most defensively sound programs in the nation. Their deliberate, pack-line defense is a challenge for any offense, and Duke has had some memorable battles with them in the ACC tournament and regular-season matchups.

Duke’s high-paced offense will be tested when facing Virginia’s suffocating defense. Bennett’s system forces teams to take high-percentage shots while eliminating easy baskets in transition. The Blue Devils, known for their transition play and up-tempo offense, will have to slow down and execute in half-court situations when facing the Cavaliers.

The key individual matchup to watch will be the battle in the paint, where Duke’s bigs like Filipowski and Brown will face off against Virginia’s interior defenders. The Blue Devils’ ability to get to the rim and score efficiently in the half-court offense will likely determine the outcome of this rivalry clash.

Virginia, like North Carolina, poses a unique challenge for Duke. Their defense often frustrates high-scoring teams, and their methodical offense can control tempo. A win over Virginia would be huge for Duke’s standings in the ACC, especially since the Cavaliers are consistently near the top of the conference.

Miami Hurricanes: The Surprising Threat

While Duke’s rivalries with North Carolina and Virginia have long been established, another program that has emerged as a legitimate threat to the Blue Devils’ supremacy in the ACC is the Miami Hurricanes. Head coach Jim Larrañaga has done an incredible job building a competitive program in Coral Gables, and the Hurricanes will once again be one of the top teams in the conference in 2024–25.

Miami has developed a reputation as one of the most well-rounded teams in the ACC. They have offensive firepower with stars like Isaiah Wong, who can score from anywhere on the floor, and a defense that is able to disrupt opposing offenses. Duke’s games against Miami will be critical for positioning in the ACC, as both teams are likely to be fighting for a top spot in the standings.

The Hurricanes’ ability to switch defenses and control tempo will put pressure on Duke’s offense, which thrives when the Blue Devils can dictate the pace of play. Miami’s up-tempo style of play, combined with their ability to shoot from distance, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the ACC.

The games between Duke and Miami have taken on a more intense rivalry vibe in recent seasons, with the Hurricanes playing spoiler in crucial moments. Duke cannot afford to overlook Miami, especially as the Hurricanes continue to rise as a championship contender.

The Emerging Rivalry with Louisville

Another emerging rivalry in the ACC involves the Duke Blue Devils and the Louisville Cardinals. Though this rivalry is still in its infancy compared to the likes of UNC or Virginia, Louisville’s rise as a competitive program in the ACC has brought a renewed sense of competition to their matchups with Duke.

Louisville, under the leadership of head coach Kenny Payne, has taken strides in building a tough, competitive squad that is hungry to challenge the top teams in the conference. With talent like El Ellis leading the charge, Louisville will look to challenge Duke in the coming seasons. Their intense defensive play, along with a high-scoring offense, makes them a well-rounded team capable of taking down any powerhouse in the ACC.

For Duke, maintaining their supremacy in the ACC will require them to fend off the likes of Louisville, as the Cardinals aim to break through and make noise at the top of the standings. Games between these two programs will likely take on a personal tone, as Louisville will be looking to prove they belong at the top of the conference.