Three Blue Devils Earn All-ACC Honors

In a season marked by grit, resilience, and a return to elite form, three Duke Blue Devils players have officially earned All-ACC honors, reinforcing the program’s prestigious standing within college basketball’s most competitive conference. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced its full list of accolades Monday morning, and it came as little surprise that Duke was well-represented.

Junior forward Mark Mitchell, sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor, and freshman sensation Cooper Flagg each secured spots on the All-ACC teams, highlighting a campaign where individual brilliance and team cohesion went hand-in-hand for head coach Jon Scheyer’s squad.

For a program synonymous with excellence, this year’s trio of honorees feels particularly significant. In a conference teeming with future NBA stars and grizzled veterans, Duke’s ability to place three players among the league’s best speaks volumes about the team’s depth, development, and enduring culture.

It almost felt inevitable. When Cooper Flagg reclassified into the Class of 2024 and chose Duke, expectations were stratospheric. Somehow, the Maine native not only lived up to the hype—he surpassed it.

Flagg earned a spot on both the All-ACC First Team and the ACC All-Freshman Team, a rare double feat that cements his status as one of the brightest young stars in college basketball. Averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, Flagg proved to be the Swiss Army knife Duke needed. His length, vision, and defensive instincts transformed the Blue Devils on both ends of the floor.

“Cooper is one of those players you only get to coach once in a lifetime,” Jon Scheyer said after the announcement. “He impacts winning in so many ways, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, making the right play, or locking down the best opposing player. His maturity is beyond his years.”

Flagg’s impact wasn’t just statistical. His energy lifted the team through early-season struggles and galvanized a roster that had to navigate injuries and lineup changes. His 32-point explosion against North Carolina in February—a game Duke won 84-77 at Cameron Indoor Stadium—was an exclamation point on his freshman campaign and one of the signature performances of the college basketball season.

Beyond the numbers, Flagg became the emotional center of Duke basketball. His competitiveness, often flashing during heated ACC battles, earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. NBA scouts salivate over his skillset, and while Flagg has yet to officially declare for the draft, he’s projected as the No. 1 overall pick should he choose to enter.

After an up-and-down freshman season, Tyrese Proctor returned to Durham with a chip on his shoulder—and it showed. The Australian guard, known for his silky handle and smooth jumper, emerged as Duke’s steadying presence, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors.

Proctor averaged 14.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, taking on a much larger offensive load while maintaining elite perimeter defense. His assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8:1) ranked among the best in the conference, and his ability to control tempo made Duke a nightmare matchup for less disciplined teams.

“Tyrese has been our heartbeat,” said assistant coach Chris Carrawell. “When we needed a big shot, when we needed poise under pressure, it was Tyrese who delivered.”

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Proctor’s sophomore leap was his ability to shine without dominating the ball. He played within the offense, created opportunities for others, and consistently made winning plays. His 24-point, 11-assist masterpiece against Miami in January served as a showcase of his floor general capabilities.

Proctor’s leadership, both vocal and by example, helped foster a winning culture among a relatively young team. He set the tone daily in practice, often staying after to work with underclassmen and taking on the responsibility of mentoring players like Flagg.

With another year of eligibility remaining, there is growing optimism that Proctor could return for his junior season—a tantalizing prospect for a Duke team that already looks poised for even greater heights.

If Flagg dazzled and Proctor orchestrated, it was Mark Mitchell who provided the glue that held everything together.

The 6-foot-8 forward was named to the Third-Team All-ACC, a recognition that validated his critical role in Duke’s success. Averaging 13.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, Mitchell did a little bit of everything—and often did it without needing to be the center of attention.

“Mark is the ultimate teammate,” Scheyer said. “He guards the toughest assignments, he rebounds, he scores when we need it, and he never complains about touches or minutes. Every great team needs a Mark Mitchell.”

Mitchell’s defense was particularly noteworthy. Assigned to guard positions 1 through 5 depending on the matchup, his versatility allowed Duke to switch freely on defense and stifle some of the ACC’s most explosive offenses. His hustle plays—diving for loose balls, taking charges, chasing down blocks—became a trademark of the team’s identity.

While he may not have posted the gaudy scoring numbers of Flagg or Proctor, Mitchell’s impact on winning was undeniable. Duke was 22-3 in games where Mitchell scored in double figures and undefeated when he tallied three or more steals.

Mitchell’s future remains bright, with NBA potential looming if he decides to test the draft waters. Regardless of what decision he makes, his 2024-25 season has already etched his name among Duke’s most respected two-way players.

The 2024-25 season wasn’t always smooth sailing for the Blue Devils. A tough non-conference schedule that included matchups with Kansas and Gonzaga tested Duke’s mettle early. Injuries to key rotational players forced Scheyer to juggle lineups, at one point starting three freshmen against seasoned ACC opponents.

Yet through the adversity, a core emerged—and it was led by Flagg, Proctor, and Mitchell.

Their emergence as All-ACC honorees coincides with Duke finishing second in the regular-season standings and entering the ACC Tournament as a top-3 seed, primed for a deep NCAA Tournament run. For a program that measures success in Final Fours and national titles, these individual accolades are more than just awards—they’re stepping stones toward something greater.

“The beauty of this group,” Scheyer said, “is that none of them care about stats. They care about banners. They care about winning.”

Indeed, the individual recognition feels more like a reflection of the team’s unselfish identity rather than a celebration of ego.

Whenever multiple Blue Devils earn All-ACC honors in the same season, it invites comparisons to past greats. Duke fans are already reminiscing about the 2015 squad, when Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones dominated the conference en route to a national championship.

Flagg’s season evokes memories of Zion Williamson’s dominant 2019 campaign, though Flagg’s polish as a perimeter defender and passer offers a slightly different flavor. Proctor’s cerebral control of the game draws parallels to Jay Williams’ brilliance at the point guard spot, while Mitchell’s rugged two-way impact mirrors the contributions of Shane Battier in the late ’90s.

It’s rare air these young stars are breathing—and they’re doing it without losing sight of what matters most.

With the ACC Tournament looming and NCAA dreams within reach, none of the three All-ACC Blue Devils are resting on their laurels.

“Our goal isn’t just to win the ACC,” Flagg said bluntly after a recent practice. “It’s to win it all.”

That mentality has permeated the locker room. Scheyer has instilled a toughness and accountability that defines championship-caliber teams, and his young stars have embraced the challenge.

Duke enters postseason play ranked in the top 10 nationally in defensive efficiency and top 15 in offensive efficiency—statistics that often predict deep tournament runs. With Flagg’s stardom, Proctor’s command, and Mitchell’s intangibles, the Blue Devils possess a blend of talent and grit few teams can match.

If they continue to play with the cohesion and urgency they’ve shown down the stretch, more awards—and more importantly, more banners—could be on the horizon.

For Jon Scheyer, the All-ACC honors for Flagg, Proctor, and Mitchell are validation—not just for his players, but for his vision of Duke basketball.

When Scheyer took over from Mike Krzyzewski, some skeptics questioned whether Duke could maintain its dominance in a new era of NIL, the transfer portal, and one-and-done recruiting. Two years later, it’s clear: Duke isn’t going anywhere.

Instead, it’s adapting—and thriving.

The trio’s recognition is a testament to Scheyer’s ability to recruit, develop, and maximize talent. It’s also a sign that Duke’s culture, built over decades, remains intact: selflessness, competitiveness, and excellence still reign supreme in Durham.

With players like Flagg, Proctor, and Mitchell leading the way, the Blue Devils are positioned not just for immediate success, but for sustained greatness.

Cooper Flagg:
Flagg’s postseason performances could elevate him into legend status at Duke. He’s likely to declare for the NBA Draft afterward, where he projects as the consensus No. 1 overall pick. But for now, he’s locked in on trying to hang a banner in Cameron Indoor.

Tyrese Proctor:
Proctor’s future remains undecided. Some NBA scouts view him as a late first-rounder; others think a junior year breakout could vault him into the lottery. For Duke, his potential return could mean a preseason No. 1 ranking next year.

Mark Mitchell:
Mitchell will have a decision to make regarding the draft. His defensive versatility is highly coveted at the next level, but there’s also a strong case for him to return and become a first-team All-ACC leader next season.

Regardless of what choices await, one thing is clear: these three Blue Devils have already left a mark on the 2024-25 season—and Duke’s story is far from finished.