Jon Scheyer wanted a souvenir to commemorate the win. He decided that the basketball net from the game would be perfect.
A Look at Duke Basketball Cutting the Nets, Celebrating Final Four Berth After Win vs. Alabama
Duke basketball is back where it belongs—on the biggest stage in college basketball. After an emphatic victory over Alabama in the Elite Eight, the Blue Devils punched their ticket to the Final Four, continuing their storied tradition of excellence. The celebration that followed, including cutting down the nets, was a testament to the hard work, determination, and skill that has defined this team under head coach Jon Scheyer.
The win over Alabama was a commanding performance by Duke, as they overwhelmed the Crimson Tide on both ends of the floor. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Blue Devils displayed a mix of suffocating defense, efficient offense, and poise under pressure—key ingredients for a team poised to make a deep run. As the final whistle blew, sealing Duke’s spot in the Final Four, the jubilation was immediate. Fans packed the stands, coaches embraced, and the players knew that all their hard work had paid off in one of the most satisfying victories of their season.
For the players, cutting the nets down was not just a tradition—it was a moment of validation. After a season full of ups and downs, where questions surrounded their ability to execute in crunch time, Duke had answered them with a dominant performance when it mattered most. The team had fought through adversity, relied on its depth and experience, and now stood at the pinnacle of college basketball.
Duke’s celebration began with the traditional net-cutting ceremony. Players gathered around the basket, with each player taking turns climbing the ladder and carefully snipping a piece of the net. As they each took their moment, the significance of the achievement set in. For many of the players, this was their first taste of the Final Four, a goal that seemed distant at the start of the season but was now within reach.
Coach Jon Scheyer, in just his second season as Duke’s head coach, had already proven that his transition from assistant to head coach was seamless. The victory against Alabama and the ensuing net-cutting ceremony served as a huge milestone for the young coach, who has already led the Blue Devils back to the top of college basketball. Scheyer stood in the middle of the celebration, proud of his team but also focused on the bigger goal ahead: a national championship. “This team has shown what they’re made of,” Scheyer said. “But we’re not done yet. We’ve got more work to do, and we’re excited for the opportunity to keep pushing forward.”
The joy of the victory was palpable, but the players knew that the road to the championship was still far from over. Veteran leaders like Jeremy Roach, who had been instrumental throughout the tournament, took time to reflect on how far they’d come as a unit. “This is what we worked for all season,” Roach said, as he stood among the celebrating players. “But we know the job isn’t done yet. We’re going to enjoy this moment, but we’re focused on the bigger picture.”
As the confetti fell and the Blue Devils celebrated their victory, it was clear that this team was more than just a talented group of individuals—they were a cohesive unit that had built a championship-level defense, executed offensively, and played with heart. From the freshmen who had stepped up in big moments to the upperclassmen who had provided leadership, the Blue Devils were a complete team with one goal in mind: to win it all.
Now, as Duke turns its focus to the Final Four, their victory against Alabama is a reminder of the program’s greatness and the potential for even greater things to come. With the net cut and a Final Four berth secured, Duke is ready to continue its march toward a national championship, knowing that the celebration is far from over.
