A Disappointing End to an Amazing Season: Jon Scheyer’s Full Post-Match Report
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — The dream was within reach, but for Duke University’s basketball team, the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four ended in heartbreak. After a thrilling, roller-coaster season, the Blue Devils fell short of a national championship, losing in a nail-biting final against the powerhouse Kentucky Wildcats. The defeat was a gut-wrenching one, but in his post-game address, head coach Jon Scheyer expressed his unwavering pride in his team’s remarkable journey, despite the disappointing finish.
“Today, the scoreboard didn’t reflect the heart and soul that this team put into every practice, every game, and every moment this season,” Scheyer said, his voice steady but tinged with emotion as he addressed the media after the 78-74 loss. “I’m incredibly proud of these young men. They gave everything they had, and it was truly an amazing season.”
Duke entered the Final Four as one of the hottest teams in the tournament, with fresh faces and veterans alike stepping up to the challenge. Their balanced offense, bolstered by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg and a seasoned roster, had made them a favorite to go all the way. However, despite holding a slim lead in the final minutes, Duke’s offense went cold at the worst possible time. A series of costly turnovers and missed free throws allowed Kentucky to close out the game with a thrilling last-second shot that sealed the victory.
Scheyer’s team had dominated much of the game. The Blue Devils’ defense had stifled Kentucky’s star players, and Flagg had continued to live up to his immense potential, showing why he is considered one of the top future NBA prospects. But, as the final buzzer echoed in the Alamodome, it was clear that despite all the talent and hard work, this game had slipped away.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow,” Scheyer continued in his press conference, his gaze lingering on his players as they sat quietly in the locker room. “We didn’t execute when we needed to, and it cost us. That’s on me. But I want everyone to understand this: what these guys accomplished this season was special. The growth we saw from the first day of practice to now is remarkable. They’ll carry that with them for the rest of their lives.”
The loss stung particularly hard for Scheyer, who had been looking to claim his first NCAA championship as Duke’s head coach after taking the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski in 2022. In his second year at the helm, Scheyer had led a team full of young stars, including Flagg, to the cusp of glory. However, it wasn’t meant to be.
“Jon has done an incredible job with this group,” said assistant coach Chris Carrawell. “He’s built something special here, and tonight, we just ran into a team that made the plays when it mattered. We’re disappointed, sure. But we know we’re on the right path.”
The Blue Devils’ loss to Kentucky marks the end of what had been an emotional season, filled with highs and lows. From dramatic last-second victories to moments of pure brilliance from Flagg, the team had captured the hearts of fans everywhere. Despite the heartbreak of losing in the Final Four, the players and coaches could hold their heads high, knowing that they had given everything for their school and their fans.
“This group is family,” Scheyer said, his voice cracking slightly. “I’ve watched them grow, face adversity, and come out stronger. That’s what I’ll remember about this season. We may not have finished with a championship, but we’ve built something much bigger than that.”
As the players gathered in the locker room one final time, the shared sense of loss was evident, but so was the undeniable pride in what they had accomplished. The 2025 season had come to a heartbreaking end, but for Duke, this is only the beginning of something greater under the leadership of Jon Scheyer.
