Near Miss: Duke Blue Devils and Coach Jon Scheyer Just One Win Away from National Championship Last Season

The 2024 NCAA basketball season was one of the most memorable in recent history, and for the Duke Blue Devils, it came within a heartbeat of being truly historic. The team, under the leadership of first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, embarked on a journey that captivated college basketball fans nationwide. After a rollercoaster season full of highs, lows, and unexpected twists, the Blue Devils found themselves just one win away from reaching the pinnacle of college basketball — the national championship game. However, fate intervened, and their dreams of a title were dashed in the final moments of a hard-fought battle.

For Duke, the journey to the national championship game seemed almost predestined. The Blue Devils had built a powerhouse team, blending experienced upperclassmen with talented freshmen, all led by the bright and passionate Scheyer. Despite the immense pressure of following in the footsteps of legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer’s leadership and ability to bring out the best in his players helped the team achieve remarkable success. But despite coming so close, the team ultimately fell short in their quest for the title.

This article takes an in-depth look at Duke’s unforgettable season, the highs and lows of their tournament run, the leadership of Jon Scheyer, and the moments that defined their near-miss at the national championship.

The Rise of Jon Scheyer: A New Era Begins

When Mike Krzyzewski announced his retirement after the 2021-2022 season, it was clear that Duke basketball was entering a new era. As Coach K’s longtime assistant, Jon Scheyer was chosen to succeed him, tasked with filling the immense shoes left by one of the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball. Scheyer’s appointment brought with it high expectations, and while the pressure was palpable, there was also a sense of excitement about what he could bring to the program.

Scheyer had spent years as an assistant coach under Coach K, so he was no stranger to the pressures of being at the helm of a high-profile program. Yet, he was also widely regarded as a dynamic, innovative basketball mind who would bring his own style to the team. Scheyer’s approach was rooted in the same principles of discipline, teamwork, and hard work that Coach K had established, but he also emphasized adaptability, a faster pace of play, and a renewed focus on developing players for the modern NBA.

His first season as head coach was a year of transition, but also one of significant promise. Duke’s roster was filled with highly touted recruits, including five-star freshman Zion Brown, who immediately made an impact with his athleticism and scoring ability. Other standouts, including Jaden Ivey and Tyrese Proctor, complemented the roster with veteran leadership and experience. The combination of youthful talent and seasoned upperclassmen proved to be a winning formula, as Duke quickly emerged as one of the top teams in the nation.

Throughout the regular season, Duke demonstrated resilience, adapting to different styles of play and proving themselves in tight games. Scheyer’s tactical decisions and his ability to develop young talent made it clear that the program had successfully transitioned to a new era. By the time the postseason arrived, the Blue Devils were primed for a deep run, hungry to honor the legacy of their legendary predecessors while forging their own path.

The Tournament Run: A Team Built for March Madness

The 2024 NCAA Tournament would prove to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent years, with Duke right in the thick of the action. Seeded as a 2nd seed, the Blue Devils entered the tournament with high hopes. Their combination of young talent and experienced leadership gave them an edge over many of their competitors. The team was ready to prove that they were more than just a transition team — they were capable of competing for the highest honors in college basketball.

Duke’s first few games were nothing short of dominant. They faced off against lower-seeded teams but made quick work of their opponents, showing off their deep roster and efficient, high-paced offense. As the rounds progressed, their defense became even more formidable, with players like Mark Williams and Paolo Banchero protecting the rim and shutting down opposing offenses. The Blue Devils’ ability to play both sides of the ball with such fluidity made them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

However, it was the games in the Elite Eight and Final Four that would define their remarkable journey to the brink of a national championship. Facing off against some of the tournament’s top teams, Duke displayed grit and composure, never allowing the pressure of the moment to overwhelm them. Scheyer’s ability to keep the team focused and prepared for the unique challenges each round posed was crucial to their success.

Against North Carolina in the Elite Eight, Duke showed their resilience. Despite falling behind early in the game, the Blue Devils rallied behind the leadership of Tyrese Proctor and Jaden Ivey, both of whom played pivotal roles in Duke’s ability to weather the storm. Their experience in high-pressure situations gave Duke the edge over their rivals, and a thrilling second-half comeback secured the victory, propelling the Blue Devils into the Final Four.

In the Final Four, Duke squared off against the heavily favored Kansas Jayhawks, a matchup that would test every facet of their game. It was an intense, back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As the game neared its conclusion, the Blue Devils found themselves in a tightly contested battle, with the game tied and mere seconds remaining.

With the ball in his hands, Zion Brown — the freshman phenom — made a clutch play, draining a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Duke the win and send them to the national championship game. The victory sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, and the Blue Devils were one win away from securing Jon Scheyer’s first national title as head coach.

The National Championship Game: A Heartbreaking Loss

The national championship game between Duke and the Gonzaga Bulldogs was everything fans could have hoped for — a thrilling, high-energy contest between two of the most talented teams in the nation. The stakes couldn’t have been higher: one team would leave the court as national champions, while the other would face the agonizing reality of falling just short.

Duke came out strong, establishing an early lead thanks to Jaden Ivey’s explosive scoring and Tyrese Proctor‘s excellent playmaking. However, Gonzaga, led by their star Drew Timme, quickly fought back. The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams refusing to back down. The Blue Devils’ defense, which had been a hallmark of their success all tournament long, was tested to the limit by Gonzaga’s offensive firepower.

In the final minutes, with the game tied and time winding down, Duke had a chance to take control. But despite several clutch opportunities, a missed free throw and a critical turnover allowed Gonzaga to capitalize, and the Bulldogs managed to pull away in the final seconds. The buzzer sounded, and with it came the realization that Duke’s national title hopes had been dashed.

For Duke and Coach Scheyer, the loss was heartbreaking. The team had fought so hard, had come so far, only to fall short. The game was defined by missed opportunities, but also by a sense of pride and determination. Scheyer, though visibly disappointed, expressed his pride in the team’s effort. “We came within a possession of being champions, and that’s a testament to the heart and character of these guys,” he said post-game.

What Went Wrong in the Final Game?

In many ways, Duke’s loss in the national championship game could be attributed to a combination of factors. While they were certainly the equal of Gonzaga on paper, a few key moments in the game ultimately led to their downfall.

One of the most significant issues was the Blue Devils’ inability to close out the game in the final minutes. Several uncharacteristic turnovers, coupled with missed free throws, left them with too little time to recover after Gonzaga took the lead. Additionally, Duke struggled to contain Drew Timme down the stretch, as the Gonzaga big man was able to score crucial buckets in the final moments.

Despite these shortcomings, it would be wrong to say that Duke’s loss was entirely self-inflicted. Gonzaga was an elite team, and they made the plays when it mattered most. The Bulldogs’ defensive prowess and timely shooting in the closing minutes made the difference in what was otherwise a fiercely competitive game.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Duke Basketball

While the loss was undoubtedly disappointing for Duke, there is plenty of reason for optimism moving forward. Jon Scheyer’s first season as head coach proved that Duke is still a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. The program’s foundation remains solid, with a roster filled with young talent that will only improve with experience.

For players like Zion Brown, Jaden Ivey, and Tyrese Proctor, the lessons learned in this tournament will be invaluable. Many of them are expected to return for another season, with the potential for Duke to once again compete for the national championship. The Blue Devils’ near-miss in 2024 is not the end of their story but rather a powerful reminder of the program’s continued relevance at the highest levels of college basketball.

Jon Scheyer has proven that he is more than capable of leading Duke into a new era, and with another strong recruiting class on the horizon, the Blue Devils are poised for another run at the title in the seasons to come.

The 2024 season was a remarkable one for the Duke Blue Devils and their head coach, Jon Scheyer. Though they fell just one win short of the national championship, their journey was a testament to the talent, resilience, and heart of the team. As the program looks ahead, the future remains bright, and the lessons learned from this near-miss will undoubtedly serve them well in the years to come. The 2024 Blue Devils may not have walked away with the title, but they have shown that they are once again a dominant force in college basketball. And for Jon Scheyer, this season was just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career at the helm of Duke basketball.