Duke Completes the Task and Wins Its 23rd ACC Tournament Title: A Historic Achievement for the Blue Devils

The 2024-2025 basketball season saw a momentous achievement for the Duke Blue Devils. With their victory in the ACC Tournament, Duke claimed its 23rd conference tournament title, further cementing its place in the annals of college basketball history. This win marked not only a triumph in the tournament but also a monumental return to dominance for the Blue Devils, who secured both the ACC regular season and tournament titles for the first time since 2018.

The road to this championship was paved with grit, resilience, and the unmistakable talent that has long been synonymous with Duke basketball. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, the Blue Devils have rebounded from a period of transition and proved that they are once again the gold standard in college basketball. This victory represented a significant milestone in Scheyer’s young coaching career, and it showcased the continued relevance and power of Duke as a national powerhouse.

A Legacy of Excellence: Duke’s Place in ACC History

Duke’s win in the 2025 ACC Tournament adds another chapter to the storied history of the Blue Devils’ basketball program. The ACC Tournament, one of the most prestigious and fiercely contested events in college basketball, has long been a platform where Duke has thrived. With 23 tournament titles now under their belt, the Blue Devils have demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion in a competitive environment.

Duke’s 23rd title in 2025 placed them just ahead of their chief rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, who hold 18 ACC Tournament titles. This victory serves as a testament to the consistent excellence of Duke basketball and its ability to maintain a level of competitiveness that other programs often envy. Since the formation of the ACC in 1953, the Blue Devils have been one of the league’s flagship teams, competing annually for both the regular season and tournament crowns.

Coach Krzyzewski, who led Duke to five NCAA championships and numerous ACC titles during his 42-year tenure, set a high standard for the program. His successor, Jon Scheyer, has managed to uphold that tradition while navigating the challenges of an evolving landscape in college basketball. The 2025 tournament title is a clear signal that Scheyer is well on his way to continuing Duke’s legacy of excellence.

The Road to Glory: A Season of Dominance

The 2024-2025 Duke Blue Devils entered the season with high expectations. While the departure of some key players from the previous year created uncertainty, the program’s recruiting class was heralded as one of the best in the nation. Scheyer’s second year as head coach was a proving ground for his ability to mold a team capable of competing at the highest levels.

Throughout the regular season, Duke faced its fair share of challenges, but the team’s resilience and talent were evident in nearly every game. The Blue Devils finished with an impressive record in the ACC, securing the regular-season title with a 15-3 record. This marked their return to the top of the conference standings after a few years of relative struggle by their standards. The season was highlighted by several thrilling victories over top-ranked opponents, including impressive wins on the road, which underscored Duke’s growth and mental toughness.

At the heart of the Blue Devils’ success was their dynamic roster, which blended experienced upperclassmen with talented freshmen. The team’s success was due in no small part to the development of its key players, who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Among them was sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor, who blossomed into one of the most explosive and consistent players in the conference. His ability to create offense, both as a scorer and a playmaker, was a key component of Duke’s offensive attack.

Duke’s defense, traditionally a hallmark of the program under Coach K, was also a significant factor in their success during the regular season. With players like Dereck Lively II anchoring the defense, the Blue Devils were a formidable force on that side of the ball, ranking among the top teams in the nation for both defensive efficiency and rebounding. Lively’s presence in the paint was a game-changer, as he not only protected the rim but also altered countless shots and provided much-needed energy for the team.

As the season progressed, Duke’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive prowess made them a force to be reckoned with. By the time the ACC Tournament rolled around, the Blue Devils were firing on all cylinders, and there was a palpable sense of confidence within the team. Despite the pressure of playing for a coveted ACC title, the Blue Devils were determined to make the most of the opportunity.

The ACC Tournament: A Championship Run

The 2025 ACC Tournament, held at the Greensboro Coliseum, proved to be a fitting stage for the Blue Devils to assert their dominance. As the top seed in the tournament, Duke entered the event with the goal of capturing its first ACC Tournament title since 2019. The Blue Devils faced off against some of the toughest competition in the country, but their focus and intensity never wavered.

In the opening round, Duke made quick work of their opponent, dispatching the lower-seeded team with ease. But the true test came in the later rounds, where the competition grew stiffer and the stakes higher. In the quarterfinals, Duke faced a familiar foe in the form of the Virginia Cavaliers, a team known for its tough, defensive-minded play. But Duke’s offensive execution was too much for Virginia, and they advanced to the semifinals with a commanding victory.

The semifinals saw the Blue Devils match up against a surging Florida State team, which had proven to be one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. Despite Florida State’s best efforts, Duke’s depth and balanced attack proved to be the difference. Tyrese Proctor and Dereck Lively led the charge once again, with contributions from other key players like freshman guard Caleb Foster, who had emerged as a reliable scorer throughout the season. In the end, Duke triumphed, securing a spot in the championship game.

The final was set: Duke vs. the Miami Hurricanes, the defending ACC Tournament champions. Miami had been a formidable opponent all season, and they posed a serious challenge to Duke’s title aspirations. The Hurricanes were known for their fast-paced offense and their ability to pressure opponents into mistakes. But Duke was unfazed. From the opening tip, the Blue Devils took control of the game, using their size and athleticism to neutralize Miami’s offensive schemes.

In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Duke’s defense proved to be the difference. Lively dominated in the paint, while Proctor’s leadership and playmaking kept the offense flowing smoothly. Key contributions came from senior forward Kyle Filipowski, who provided both scoring and leadership in crunch time. As the final buzzer sounded, the Blue Devils had secured a 79-71 victory, clinching their 23rd ACC Tournament title.

A New Era: Jon Scheyer’s Leadership

For Jon Scheyer, the 2025 ACC Tournament victory was a milestone in his coaching career. In just his second season as head coach, he had led Duke to both the regular-season and tournament titles, proving that he could succeed where many had wondered whether the program could maintain its high standards after the departure of Coach K. Scheyer’s ability to manage egos, develop young talent, and maintain the culture of excellence that has long been associated with Duke basketball was evident throughout the tournament run.

Scheyer’s approach to coaching is a blend of modern strategy and traditional Duke basketball principles. He has maintained the program’s emphasis on defense, while also incorporating a more dynamic offensive scheme that relies on spacing, ball movement, and player versatility. The result has been a team that is not only tough to beat but also entertaining to watch. The 2025 ACC Tournament title is a testament to Scheyer’s ability to adapt and evolve while respecting the legacy of those who came before him.

The Road Ahead: National Championship Aspirations

As Duke celebrates its 23rd ACC Tournament title, the Blue Devils’ focus now turns to the ultimate prize: the NCAA Tournament. With the momentum gained from winning both the regular season and tournament titles, Duke enters the tournament as one of the favorites to win the national championship. The Blue Devils have the talent, the experience, and the coaching to make a deep run, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch in the coming weeks.

The success of the 2024-2025 season marks the beginning of what promises to be a new era of dominance for Duke basketball. Under Jon Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils are poised to continue their legacy of excellence, competing for both ACC and national championships for years to come. As the team prepares for the challenges that lie ahead, they can look back on their 23rd ACC Tournament title with pride, knowing that they have reasserted themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball.

In the end, Duke’s victory in the 2025 ACC Tournament was more than just another trophy. It was a statement—a declaration that the Blue Devils are back at the top of college basketball. With a talented roster, a brilliant coach, and a rich tradition of success, Duke is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.