Despite the pressure of wearing a Duke uniform, the Blue Devils have rebounded from recent losses to make it to the Sweet 16. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasizes the importance of learning from tough moments and staying humble. After dominating James Madison in a 93-55 victory, the team is focused on making the most of their NCAA Tournament journey.
The players, like Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor, returned to school for moments like these. Jared McCain’s standout performance with 30 points and zero turnovers, along with Filipowski’s all-around contribution, highlighted Duke’s improvement since the end of the regular season. The team played a clean game, shooting over 50 percent from the field, assisting on most of their baskets, and minimizing turnovers.
Scheyer attributes the team’s success to their ability to reflect on their shortcomings and improve their play. Following losses in the ACC tournament, the team made adjustments both mentally and strategically to become a better version of themselves. The focus on defense and ball movement paid off against James Madison, leading to their best passing performance of the season.
Looking ahead to the Elite Eight matchup against Houston, the Blue Devils are grateful for the challenges they faced earlier in the season. Scheyer believes that overcoming adversity has made them stronger and more prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead. The team’s resilience and determination have propelled them through tough moments to reach the Sweet 16 and set their sights on even greater success.
Despite the highs and lows that come with being a Duke basketball player, the team remains focused on the present and the future. The lessons learned from recent losses have fueled their growth and unity on the court. As they continue their tournament journey, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run and show the resilience and character that define their program.
