The Duke Blue Devils have dominated the 2024-25 college basketball season, proving themselves as the most complete and dangerous team heading into the NCAA Tournament. With a stellar 31-3 record, an ACC Championship, and a roster stacked with elite talent, Duke has every reason to be considered the favorite to cut down the nets in April.
Cooper Flagg Leads a Star-Studded Roster
Duke’s success this season has been fueled by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg. The highly touted forward has lived up to the hype, leading the team in nearly every statistical category. Flagg averages 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around brilliance. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes him one of the most impactful players in the nation.
But Flagg is far from alone. The Blue Devils boast a deep and versatile roster featuring Kon Knueppel (14.4 PPG, 39.2% 3PT), Tyrese Proctor (12.0 PPG), Sion James (8.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 APG), and Khaman Maluach (8.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG). This combination of scoring threats and defensive anchors makes Duke an incredibly tough matchup for any opponent.
A Dominant Defense and Balanced Attack
Duke has been elite on both ends of the floor. Their defense is among the best in the nation, holding opponents to just 62.8 points per game. The presence of Flagg, Maluach, and James gives Duke a defensive core capable of shutting down elite scorers. Their ability to switch seamlessly and protect the rim makes them a nightmare matchup.
On offense, Duke’s 48.8% field goal percentage and 37.7% three-point shooting make them one of the most efficient teams in the country. Their depth ensures they don’t have to rely on just one or two players—anyone in the rotation is capable of stepping up on a given night.
Battle-Tested Against Elite Competition
The Blue Devils’ schedule has prepared them for the intensity of March Madness. They’ve secured signature wins over #2 Auburn, #13 Louisville, Illinois, North Carolina (twice), and Arizona. Even in their losses—close battles against #1 Kansas, #19 Kentucky, and Clemson—Duke showed resilience and the ability to compete with the best.
Furthermore, Duke went undefeated at home (17-0) and had a strong 10-1 record on the road, proving they can win in any environment. They capped off their season by winning the ACC Tournament, defeating North Carolina and Louisville on their way to the title, solidifying their championship pedigree.
Why Duke is the Team to Beat
Few teams in the country have Duke’s combination of superstar talent, depth, defensive strength, and big-game experience. Flagg’s ability to take over games, along with the consistency of Knueppel, Proctor, and Maluach, makes the Blue Devils a team built for a deep tournament run.
With momentum on their side, an elite defense, and a roster full of future NBA talent, Duke is not just a contender—they are the team to beat in March Madness 2025.
