The 2024-25 Duke basketball squad boasts young talent, strong defense, and leadership, aiming for a national championship push.

The 2024-25 Duke Blue Devils basketball squad is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams in college basketball. With a combination of young talent, elite coaching, and a well-rounded roster, Duke enters the new season with high expectations. Coach Jon Scheyer, who is now firmly in his second year at the helm after taking over from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has worked tirelessly to shape a squad that is capable of competing for a national championship.

As with any Duke team, there is a mix of elite high school talent, experienced players, and the necessary leadership to make a run at the title. In this evaluation, we will break down the key players, potential team strengths, challenges, and the overall outlook for the 2024-25 Duke Blue Devils.

Key Players to Watch

The 2024-25 Duke team will feature a mix of highly rated freshmen, returning players, and a couple of key transfers. Here’s a closer look at some of the players who are likely to make a significant impact this season.

1. Tyrese Proctor (Sophomore Guard)

Tyrese Proctor, a talented guard who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, will be one of Duke’s key leaders in the backcourt this season. Proctor is known for his excellent vision, ball-handling skills, and ability to make plays for both himself and his teammates. Last season, Proctor averaged 8.8 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, with his ability to create offense making him a valuable asset for Duke’s offense.

Proctor is expected to take on more responsibility this season, particularly as a leader on the floor. If he continues to develop his shooting consistency and takes on more of a scoring role, Proctor could emerge as one of the best point guards in the ACC.

2. Mackenzie Mgbako (Freshman Forward)

Mackenzie Mgbako, a top-10 recruit and one of the most highly anticipated players in the 2024 class, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils. A versatile forward who excels at scoring from various spots on the floor, Mgbako brings both scoring ability and size to the team. At 6’8” and 210 pounds, Mgbako has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also contributing in the post.

His versatility will allow Coach Scheyer to use him in various positions on the floor, giving Duke a dynamic weapon that can contribute in multiple facets of the game. His ability to score at all three levels will be a crucial asset for Duke, especially in tight games.

3. Kyle Filipowski (Sophomore Forward)

Kyle Filipowski had a standout freshman season, and the expectations for his sophomore year are sky-high. The 7-foot forward was one of the most impressive freshmen in college basketball, averaging 15.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Filipowski’s combination of size, basketball IQ, and skill set makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents.

Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and play in the post will give Duke an offensive anchor this season. His rebounding prowess will also be critical, as the Blue Devils look to control the glass against some of the toughest teams in the nation.

4. Jaden Schutt (Sophomore Guard)

Jaden Schutt will play a significant role for the Blue Devils this season, particularly as a shooter. Schutt has one of the best pure shooting strokes on the team, and he’s expected to contribute as a perimeter scorer, spreading the floor for Duke’s offense. His ability to knock down three-pointers will be key, especially in a season when Duke will face several tough opponents with elite defenses.

Schutt’s development as an all-around player, particularly in terms of ball-handling and defense, will determine how much time he sees on the floor. If he can improve in those areas, he could quickly become a regular in Duke’s rotation.

5. Dariq Whitehead (Freshman Forward)

Dariq Whitehead is another highly-touted freshman who is expected to make a significant impact on the Duke basketball team. A versatile forward who can guard multiple positions and contribute offensively, Whitehead’s skills fit well within Duke’s system. He’s an elite athlete, capable of contributing on both ends of the floor with his defense, transition play, and ability to score inside and out.

Whitehead’s role on the team will likely increase as the season progresses, and his potential as a two-way player makes him one to watch as the Blue Devils aim for a championship.

Team Strengths

As with any Duke team, the 2024-25 squad will boast several key strengths that should make them formidable in the national title race.

1. Depth and Versatility

Duke’s depth this season is a notable strength. The Blue Devils have several players who can contribute in a variety of ways, which will allow Coach Scheyer to mix and match lineups based on the opponent. The team has a solid combination of size, shooting, defense, and playmaking, meaning that they can adapt to different styles of play and adjust to in-game situations.

Whether it’s a tough defensive battle or a high-scoring affair, Duke’s ability to call on different players with varying skill sets makes them a dangerous team. This versatility will be a major advantage as they navigate through the grueling ACC schedule and, eventually, the NCAA tournament.

2. Elite Coaching

Jon Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach following the retirement of Coach K, has already shown his ability to lead at a high level. Scheyer has been integral to the program’s continued success, bringing fresh ideas while maintaining the traditions of Duke basketball. His ability to connect with players and get the best out of them will be crucial as the Blue Devils try to make a deep run in March.

Additionally, Scheyer has an excellent coaching staff that brings experience and expertise in various aspects of the game. The Blue Devils will be prepared, both mentally and strategically, to compete with the best teams in the nation.

3. Defensive Identity

One of the key features of Duke’s basketball program under Coach K was its defensive identity, and that remains a focus under Scheyer. The Blue Devils have the potential to be one of the best defensive teams in the country in 2024-25. With players like Kyle Filipowski and Dariq Whitehead who can guard multiple positions, combined with solid perimeter defenders like Tyrese Proctor, Duke has the ability to create turnovers and shut down opposing offenses.

Defensive intensity will be a hallmark of this Duke team, and it will be particularly important in postseason play, where the margins between victory and defeat can be razor-thin.

4. Rebounding and Inside Presence

Duke’s combination of size and athleticism will give them a significant advantage on the glass. Kyle Filipowski and his frontcourt mates, such as Mgbako, will help Duke dominate the boards, a critical aspect of winning games in March. Duke’s ability to control the paint, secure offensive rebounds, and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents will play a key role in their success.

Potential Challenges

While Duke enters the season as a legitimate title contender, there are several potential challenges they will need to overcome.

1. Youth and Inexperience

Duke’s roster is filled with young talent, which could lead to some growing pains throughout the season. Freshmen like Mgbako, Whitehead, and others may take some time to adjust to the college game, particularly at the high level of competition in the ACC. There could be inconsistency early on as they adjust to the intensity of college basketball.

However, Coach Scheyer’s ability to develop young talent and get players ready for big moments should help mitigate this issue as the season progresses.

2. Consistency in Shooting

While Duke has some elite shooters on the roster, they need to maintain shooting consistency throughout the season. The Blue Devils can’t afford to go through stretches of poor shooting, especially in close games. Having reliable three-point shooting from players like Schutt and Proctor will be essential to spacing the floor and making opposing defenses work harder.

3. Tough ACC Schedule

The ACC is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, with teams like North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami all vying for top spots. Duke will need to be at their best night in and night out during conference play. While Duke has the talent to compete at the highest level, the grind of a tough conference schedule could pose challenges as they work toward the NCAA tournament.