Duke Basketball Wants to Win in the NCAA Tournament

Duke Basketball Aims for NCAA Tournament Glory: A Look at the Road Ahead

The Duke Blue Devils are a storied program, rich with tradition and success in the college basketball landscape. With five NCAA Championships under their belt and countless tournament appearances, the Blue Devils are no strangers to the pressure and excitement that comes with March Madness. As the 2025 NCAA Tournament draws closer, Duke’s basketball team finds itself at a critical juncture—primed for another deep run but facing its fair share of challenges. The Blue Devils are determined to make their mark once again, aiming for NCAA Tournament glory in a season full of uncertainty, excitement, and high expectations.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke is transitioning from the iconic tenure of Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who retired after leading the program for over four decades. While the shadow of Coach K looms large, Scheyer has instilled a new energy and focus within the program. The mix of veteran leadership and talented newcomers has given the Blue Devils the potential to make a significant run in the NCAA Tournament. In this article, we will break down the key elements of Duke’s team, their performance throughout the regular season, and their prospects heading into the tournament.

The Legacy of Duke Basketball

Before diving into the specifics of the current team, it’s important to acknowledge the legacy of Duke basketball and the immense pressure that comes with wearing a Blue Devils jersey. The program, founded in 1906, has been one of the most successful in the history of college basketball. Under the guidance of Coach Krzyzewski, Duke became a powerhouse, winning five national titles (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, and 2015) and making numerous Final Four appearances.

Krzyzewski’s coaching prowess, along with the university’s commitment to developing elite talent, established Duke as one of the most prestigious programs in all of college basketball. His ability to recruit top-tier athletes, combined with his skill at developing players and fostering a competitive culture, laid the foundation for the program’s sustained success.

The expectation surrounding Duke basketball is high, and that’s something that both fans and players are aware of. As one of the premier programs in the NCAA, Duke is always in the conversation when it comes to tournament aspirations. The pressure to perform on the biggest stage is immense, and every year, the Blue Devils aim to add another banner to their storied history.

A New Era with Jon Scheyer

In the 2022-2023 season, Coach Mike Krzyzewski retired, passing the torch to Jon Scheyer, who had been an assistant coach for several years and played for Duke from 2006 to 2010. While there were questions about how the program would transition following Coach K’s departure, Scheyer has seamlessly stepped into the role. His understanding of Duke’s culture, combined with his experience as a former player, made him a natural fit to lead the program.

Scheyer’s approach to coaching is both innovative and rooted in the principles that made Duke so successful under Krzyzewski. He places a strong emphasis on defense, discipline, and hard work, while also allowing his players to express themselves offensively. His leadership style is also characterized by a focus on developing young talent and fostering an environment where players grow not only as athletes but as individuals.

Under Scheyer’s watch, the Blue Devils have maintained their place as one of the nation’s premier programs. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but also dealt with growing pains typical of a program in transition. However, as the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, Duke is a team to watch, and Scheyer’s first full year as head coach could mark the beginning of a new dynasty.

Key Players for Duke

While Duke is known for recruiting some of the best high school talent in the country, the Blue Devils’ success this season will depend on the performance of several key players. Here are the standouts who are expected to be pivotal in Duke’s tournament aspirations:

1. Kyle Filipowski (Sophomore Forward)

Kyle Filipowski is arguably the most important player for Duke heading into the NCAA Tournament. A versatile and skilled forward, Filipowski was one of the top players in the ACC during the 2024-2025 season. Standing at 7’0″, Filipowski’s size, combined with his basketball IQ and skill set, makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Filipowski is capable of scoring inside and stretching the floor with his outside shooting. He’s also an exceptional rebounder and shot blocker, giving Duke a presence on both ends of the floor. If Filipowski plays to his potential, he could be one of the best players in the tournament, and his ability to control the paint will be crucial for Duke’s chances of making a deep run.

2. Tyrese Proctor (Freshman Guard)

A freshman with immense potential, Tyrese Proctor is another key figure for Duke’s NCAA Tournament hopes. Proctor, a highly-touted recruit, has already shown his ability to score, facilitate, and play defense at a high level. As the season has progressed, he’s grown into one of Duke’s primary playmakers and has become a leader on the floor.

Proctor’s ability to run the offense, make plays for his teammates, and score in a variety of ways will be pivotal in the tournament. As the point guard, his court vision and decision-making will be tested against some of the best defenses in the country, but he has shown the maturity to step up in big moments. Proctor’s development throughout the season will be a key factor in Duke’s success in March.

3. Dereck Lively II (Freshman Center)

Dereck Lively II is another highly-touted freshman who has shown his potential throughout the season. A shot-blocker and elite defender, Lively has given Duke the rim protection they need. His ability to alter shots and protect the basket is essential, especially against teams with strong inside games.

While Lively is still developing offensively, his impact on defense and his ability to contribute as a rebounder will be crucial for Duke. His matchup against opposing bigs in the tournament could be one of the deciding factors in how far the Blue Devils can go.

4. Jeremy Roach (Senior Guard)

As the lone senior on the team, Jeremy Roach brings invaluable experience to the Duke backcourt. Roach has played in countless big games during his time at Duke, and his leadership on and off the court is vital for the Blue Devils in the tournament. As a veteran presence, Roach is expected to step up and provide stability, especially in high-pressure situations.

Roach’s ability to score and facilitate is key for Duke. His leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial as Duke faces off against some of the best teams in the country during the tournament. If Roach can stay healthy and continue to play efficiently, he could be one of the most important players in Duke’s tournament run.

Duke’s Strengths Heading into the Tournament

Duke’s chances of making a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament are bolstered by several key strengths:

1. Depth and Versatility: Duke boasts a deep roster filled with talent at every position. From their big men to their guards, the Blue Devils can play a variety of styles and match up well against different opponents. The team’s depth allows for fresh legs and different looks on both offense and defense.
2. Defense: Duke has always been known for its defense under Coach Krzyzewski, and Jon Scheyer has continued that tradition. With shot-blockers like Filipowski and Lively, along with strong perimeter defenders, Duke’s defense will be a cornerstone of their tournament run. If the Blue Devils can lock down defensively and limit their opponents’ scoring, they will be tough to beat.
3. Coaching: Jon Scheyer’s first season as head coach has been a learning experience, but his basketball acumen and understanding of the Duke system are key advantages. Scheyer has a wealth of experience, both as a player and assistant coach, and his ability to make in-game adjustments and motivate his players will be crucial in tournament play.
4. Big-Game Experience: While Duke’s roster is filled with young talent, players like Jeremy Roach and Filipowski have experience in big games, and their leadership will be crucial in March Madness. The Blue Devils have historically thrived under pressure, and their poise in high-stakes situations will be a deciding factor in how deep they can go.

Challenges Duke Faces

Despite their many strengths, Duke will face challenges as they head into the NCAA Tournament:

1. Inexperience: While Duke has several talented freshmen, there is a lack of true tournament experience, which can be a major factor in the high-pressure environment of March Madness. Freshmen can be prone to inconsistency, and Duke’s young players will need to step up when it matters most.
2. Competition in the ACC: The ACC is always a tough conference, and while Duke has had success, they will have to face top teams like Virginia, North Carolina, and Miami in the tournament. The Blue Devils will need to be at their best to survive and advance through a stacked field.
3. Turnovers and Execution: Duke’s offense, while explosive, has sometimes struggled with turnovers and decision-making. If the Blue Devils are sloppy with the ball or fail to execute offensively, they could be vulnerable against more disciplined teams in the tournament.