Top-seeded Duke is making its return to the Final Four for the first time since Mike Krzyzewski’s final season, marking another major milestone for the legendary coach, who is widely considered one of the best in men’s Division I basketball history. Over his storied career, Krzyzewski guided Duke to five national championships, 13 Final Four appearances, and more than 1,200 wins. After retiring in 2022, he passed the program’s leadership to Jon Scheyer, who now reaches his first Final Four as Duke’s head coach.
Krzyzewski has largely stayed out of the public spotlight since stepping down, allowing the program to establish its own direction. However, he announced he will be in attendance on Saturday to support Scheyer and the Blue Devils. “I think both games will be great, and I’m planning to be there to watch,” Krzyzewski said. “I want Duke to win, so I’ll be there supporting them with my wife, Mickey.”
Duke has been one of the top teams in the country all season under Scheyer’s leadership and is now just two victories away from its first national title since 2015. However, the challenge ahead is significant. To win the championship, Duke must defeat two other No. 1 seeds. For only the second time in history—and the first since 2008—all four teams in the Final Four are top seeds from their respective regions. It promises to be a historic and competitive weekend as Duke looks to add another championship to its decorated history.
