Duke basketball is hitting its stride and looking poised for a stellar season.
Under the leadership of third-year coach Jon Scheyer and the exceptional play of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, the No. 5 Blue Devils (10-2, 2-0 ACC) are on track for a deep NCAA tournament run. With a win at Georgia Tech, the Blue Devils remain undefeated on the road this season—a first under Scheyer’s tenure.
As Duke gears up for ACC matchups and the road to San Antonio for the 2025 Final Four, here’s a closer look at their defense, offense, ACC schedule, and tournament prospects.
A Defensive Wall Built for Championships
Duke’s defense has been nothing short of elite. Ranked No. 1 in defensive efficiency by KenPom.com, this team has the potential to replicate the success of Duke’s 2001-02 squad, which last topped the defensive efficiency charts.
With the tallest roster in the NCAA, Duke has leveraged its height and agility to smother opponents. They rank fifth nationally in field-goal percentage defense (35.5%) and eighth in scoring defense (58.5 points per game).
Cooper Flagg’s all-around versatility, Khaman Maluach’s shot-blocking prowess, and Maliq Brown’s ability to force turnovers form the backbone of this defensive juggernaut. This stifling defense is a key reason Duke is emerging as a legitimate national title contender.
The Dynamic Offense Led by Cooper Flagg
On the offensive end, Cooper Flagg is living up to the hype as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Through 12 games, Flagg leads Duke in scoring (16.3 ppg), rebounding (8.6 rpg), assists (3.5 apg), and blocks (1.2 bpg). He thrives in high-pressure situations, averaging 21.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in marquee games against Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, and Auburn.
Flagg’s supporting cast includes Kon Knueppel (12.2 ppg), Tyrese Proctor (11.3 ppg), and Isaiah Evans, who has been lethal from beyond the arc, shooting 51.2% from three-point range. These players must maintain their consistency to keep Duke’s offense firing on all cylinders.
A Perfect ACC Run?
Could this Duke team go undefeated in ACC play? Historically, it’s rare. The last time Duke achieved a perfect ACC record was during the 1998-99 season. This year, the ACC is competitive but not insurmountable, making the possibility intriguing.
Duke opens 2025 with a road game at SMU (10-2, 2-0) before hosting a strong Pitt team (10-2, 1-0). Rival North Carolina comes to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Feb. 1, with a tough road game at Clemson following on Feb. 8.
If Duke avoids any slip-ups, they could enter their regular-season finale at UNC on March 8 with an unblemished ACC record. However, KenPom predicts a respectable 18-2 finish in league play, a mark that would still place Duke among the nation’s elite.
Strengthening Their NCAA Tournament Resume
As of now, Duke is projected as the top No. 2 seed for the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils’ resume includes three Quadrant 1 wins, but with limited opportunities remaining, they’ll need to maximize every chance to move up to a No. 1 seed.
Duke’s schedule includes a crucial nonconference game against Illinois on Feb. 22 at Madison Square Garden. The Illini are ranked 14th in the NET, making it a potential signature win. Within the ACC, only Pitt (ranked 11th in the NET) presents a comparable challenge.
Currently sitting at No. 3 in the NET rankings, Duke must continue to dominate lesser-ranked opponents while excelling in high-stakes games to strengthen their position heading into March.
Looking Ahead
With one of the best defenses in the nation and a balanced offensive attack, Duke basketball is well-positioned for a historic season. Coach Jon Scheyer has this young team performing at a high level, and Cooper Flagg’s standout freshman campaign continues to elevate the Blue Devils’ aspirations.
The ACC schedule presents challenges, but this Duke squad has the tools to overcome them. Whether they finish undefeated in conference play or not, the Blue Devils are proving they have what it takes to be a contender on the national stage.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on this talented roster as they chase ACC dominance and the ultimate prize: a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio.
