There has been much talk in recent days about what the Duke Blue Devils could achieve, given the significant injuries they’ve faced, especially the one to Cooper Flagg. Despite this, head coach Jon Scheyer had full confidence in his team, and after defeating Louisville, they claimed the ACC Championship. Now, they’re aiming for more in this NCAAB season.
It wasn’t going to be easy, that much was clear. Especially with a roster weakened by injuries, including Flagg’s and even Maliq Brown’s. However, they managed to bounce back from these setbacks, and in the end, the Blue Devils triumphed, defeating the Cardinals 73-62.
After the game, it was Jon Scheyer himself who, in a press conversation, expressed the confidence he had in his team to achieve great things, even before the season started.
“I told our team right away [at the start of the season], I believe if we approach it the right way, one day at a time, when we have opportunities to win a championship like this, we’ll be ready for it,” Scheyer said. “Not to put up Day 1, San Antonio or ACC regular-season championship or ACC tournament championship. Our guys have taken it to heart.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils, left, celebrates with Tyrese Proctor, right, after defeating the Louisville Cardinals during the championship round of the ACC men’s basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 15, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
It’s worth noting that since his appointment three seasons ago, this is Scheyer’s second title. Without a doubt, the young head coach, at just 37 years old, has much to offer to the program.
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Pat Kelsey’s recognition for Duke
In these types of decisive games, one of the most difficult things after a loss is acknowledging the work done by the opponent. However, this did not affect the Louisville Cardinals’ coach, who, once the defeat was confirmed, made his perspective on the game clear, focusing on the potential of the Blue Devils.
“Throughout the tournament the last two days, they haven’t shot it particularly well, but they’re a very, very good shooting team, and our number one key to the game was defend the three,” Pat Kelsey said to the press.
“They make it difficult because they got good players and a good scheme, but gosh darn, I felt like the ball was leaving their hands, every one of those things were going in, and it seemed like they did for a while. But they made shots, and you tip your cap to them. They deserved to win today. They were the better team.”
