Jon Scheyer Reflects on Emotional Aftermath of Duke’s Heartbreaking Final Four Exit

The Duke basketball program entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as arguably the best team in the nation. With a dominant 19-1 ACC record, both the regular-season and tournament titles, and a well-earned No. 1 seed, the Blue Devils looked every bit like championship favorites. They reinforced that belief early in March Madness, steamrolling opponents by an average margin of 23.5 points en route to the Final Four.

But then came heartbreak. Controlling much of their semifinal matchup against top-seeded Houston, Duke suffered one of the most stunning collapses in tournament history, falling 70-67. What felt destined to be a national title appearance instead ended in shock and disbelief for both the program and its fan base.

Head coach Jon Scheyer reflected on the emotional toll in the locker room, telling CBS insider Jon Rothstein on Inside College Basketball Now what he shared with his players immediately after the loss.

“Just that I love them,” Scheyer said. “Just that, you know, I’m sorry. I told them I didn’t feel I helped them enough down the stretch. They literally did everything we asked of them — the effort, the approach every single day. Of course there are mistakes in a game, that’s basketball. But, man, they were a special group for me to coach.”

And special they were. Led by AP National Player of the Year Cooper Flagg — one of the most electrifying freshmen college basketball has seen in years — Duke fielded one of its most complete rosters in recent memory. With a blend of defense, shooting, grit, and chemistry, the Blue Devils appeared nearly unbeatable through the first four rounds, solidifying their reputation as the team to beat.

Still, the setback does little to overshadow Scheyer’s steady rise as Duke’s head coach. In just three seasons, he has guided the program to two ACC Tournament titles, an Elite Eight, and now a Final Four.

Looking ahead to 2025-26, Duke faces a new challenge with a youthful roster. Scheyer has reloaded, blending a few returning contributors with the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class. Once again, the Blue Devils will begin the season firmly in the conversation as contenders for a sixth national championship.