While the Duke men’s basketball team marches through the madness, the brotherhood that spans two dozen NBA players is tuned in for the Blue Devils’ first Final Four appearance under head coach Jon Scheyer.
Just weeks after Duke cut down the nets at Spectrum Center, claiming a second ACC Tournament championship in three seasons, the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz took the court, littered with former Blue Devils stars in a battle of lottery hopefuls — both well within reach of landing Duke superstar Cooper Flagg in June’s NBA Draft.
Tabbed as Duke’s “engine” by former Blue Devils center Mark Williams, Flagg is fueling a run that shows no signs of slowing.
“I think (Flagg) has a chance to be great. Obviously, for Duke, he does a little bit of everything. Defensively, he does a great job,” Williams said Monday night after the Hornets’ win against the Jazz. “Offensively, he’s the engine. Finding his teammates, attacking the basket, taking a lot of the right shots, rebounding — you name it. For them, he’s definitely one of the keys. For his future, I think the sky is the limit for them.”
And for Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s star player in Scheyer’s first and second seasons as head coach, this year’s mix of size and scoring, led by Flagg’s ability to spread the floor, makes him a bit envious.
“It makes me a little jealous. Trying to find that happy medium and balance is what we were looking for in Year 1 and Year 2, and I think they found that in Year 3,” Filipowski said. “Obviously, with the stretch four being able to shoot the ball and space the court like that, but also having the size to rebound on the boards.”
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) watches Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) as he passes the ball during Tuesday’s second half at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Jim Dedmon Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
On Jon Scheyer
Outmuscled by Tennessee in Filipowski’s freshman season and upset by N.C. State on its Cinderella run to the Final Four in his sophomore season, the second-round draft pick also talked about playing for Scheyer.
“It was the best decision that I’ve made going to college and playing for him,” Filipowski said. “Even though that was his first year as a coach, I had so much faith in him. We developed this great relationship.
“I saw the growth from Year 1 to Year 2 as a head coach. I’m sure now he’s even taken another step this year,” Filipowski continued. “What you see with the players on the court, the poise we have, the confidence — just understanding the game. It’s like that with him. He knew what to do in certain situations as years went on and found his go-tos with what he’s more comfortable with.”
Staying together
Tasked with knocking off fellow No. 1 seed Houston in a rematch that sent Filipowski’s team to the Elite Eight a season ago, former Blue Devils guard Seth Curry is impressed with the defense and togetherness that’s led Duke to San Antonio for a shot at the program’s sixth national championship.
“They’re playing well at the right time. They’ve got NBA talent, great size and they’re one of the best defensive teams I’ve seen in a long time,” Curry said. “Even more important, they’re playing together. They look like a real team out there, not just individual talent. They’re doing it together, and that’s a testament to Jon as a coach.”
Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry (30) during pregame warmups at Spectrum Center. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Jim Dedmon Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Curry — who played alongside Scheyer in 2009-10 under coach Mike Krzyzewski — called his former teammate a “basketball junkie.”
“A guy who loved the game and was as competitive as ever. I’m not too surprised he turned into a good head coach,” said Curry. “I’m a little surprised it’s at Duke because I never thought anybody would be taking that Coach K seat, but it’s good to see his growth. He’s putting his own stamp on that program and doing a great job. I’m always in his corner.”
‘They can win it all’
For the first time since 2008, all four No. 1 seeds reached the Final Four, set for Saturday at San Antonio’s Alamodome.
While the Blue Devils have been dominant, posting a 35-3 record and winning all four of their NCAA Tournament games by an average of 23.5 points, this is the most challenging Final Four of the decade.
“NIL has something to do with it,” Curry said of the top seeds advancing to the Final Four. “All of the talent is kind of at the big programs and it’s been chalk as far as the No. 1 seeds. It’s good to see the best teams play against each other.”
Knowing Scheyer as a former teammate, assistant coach and head coach, the trio of Blue Devils that shared the court on Monday night in Charlotte all like Duke’s chances this weekend.
“They’ve got a real special group. I can’t go with anyone else,” said Filipowski. “They get it done.”
Added Williams: “They’re looking great right now. They’ve got two more games and have to focus on one at a time, but I like their chances for sure. They can win it all. They’re complete from top to bottom.”
“I don’t see anybody that can match up to them top to bottom,” Curry said. “I feel like they can go all the way.”
Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer holds up the net after cutting it down after Duke’s 85-65 victory over Alabama in their Elite 8 game in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Saturday, March 29, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com