In a remarkable display of dominance and resilience, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team achieved a historic feat by sweeping both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season and tournament titles in the 2024–25 season. This accomplishment not only highlights the team’s exceptional talent and depth but also underscores the strategic brilliance of head coach Jon Scheyer.
The journey to this dual championship began with a commanding performance in the ACC regular season. Duke finished the season with an impressive 28–3 overall record and a 19–1 mark in conference play, clinching their 21st ACC regular-season title. The team’s only conference loss came at the hands of Clemson, but they rebounded strongly to secure the top seed in the ACC Tournament. A pivotal moment in the regular season was their victory over North Carolina, where they overcame a five-point halftime deficit to win 82–69, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Entering the ACC Tournament as the top seed, Duke demonstrated their prowess by defeating Georgia Tech 78–70 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they faced a familiar rival in North Carolina. In a closely contested game, Duke edged out the Tar Heels 74–71, setting the stage for a championship showdown against Louisville. Despite missing star player Cooper Flagg due to an ankle injury, the Blue Devils showcased their depth and versatility. Tyrese Proctor led the team with 19 points, including six three-pointers, while freshman Kon Knueppel added 18 points and was named the ACC Tournament MVP. The team’s defense was also instrumental, limiting Louisville to just 62 points, well below their season average.
This victory marked Duke’s 23rd ACC Tournament title, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in college basketball. It also secured the team’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they entered as the No. 1 seed in the East Region. Their tournament run was nothing short of spectacular, with dominant wins over Mount St. Mary’s (93–49), Baylor (89–66), and a thrilling 100–93 victory against Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen. However, their journey ended in the Final Four with a narrow 70–67 loss to Houston, concluding a season that saw them finish with a 35–4 overall record.
The 2024–25 season was a testament to the Blue Devils’ depth, resilience, and strategic execution. With a balanced roster featuring standout performances from players like Proctor, Knueppel, and Flagg, Duke continues to solidify its legacy as one of college basketball’s most storied programs. This dual championship achievement not only adds to their illustrious history but also sets a high standard for excellence in the seasons to come
