When Was the Last Time Duke Won the Men’s NCAA Tournament? Full List of Blue Devils’ Championships
The Duke Blue Devils have long been one of the most successful and storied programs in college basketball. With their iconic head coach Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils have consistently been a powerhouse in NCAA Men’s Basketball, capturing multiple national championships. But for fans wondering, “When was the last time Duke won the Men’s NCAA Tournament?” — the answer is 2015.
Duke’s Most Recent Title: 2015
The last time Duke won the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was in 2015, when they claimed their fifth national title under the leadership of Coach Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils had a sensational run throughout the tournament, ultimately defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 68-63 in the national championship game.
The 2015 title was particularly special because it was the culmination of an exceptional season. Duke entered the tournament as a No. 1 seed and was led by standout freshman Jahlil Okafor, who would go on to be the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Alongside Okafor, Justise Winslow and Tyus Jones played crucial roles, with Jones earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring 19 points in the championship game.
The victory in 2015 marked Coach Krzyzewski’s fifth national title, solidifying his place as one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history. The win also added to the legacy of Duke as one of the most decorated programs in the history of college basketball.
Full List of Duke’s NCAA Championships
Duke’s success in the NCAA Tournament has been remarkable. The Blue Devils have won a total of five national championships in their storied history. Here’s a full list of their championships:
1. 1991 – The Blue Devils’ first national title came in 1991 when they defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 72-65 in the championship game. This victory marked the beginning of Duke’s rise as a dominant force in college basketball. Led by Christian Laettner and coached by Mike Krzyzewski, Duke cemented its place as a top-tier program.
2. 1992 – Duke’s second consecutive national title came the following year, in 1992. In one of the most memorable title games in history, Duke defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 71-51. The 1992 team, often regarded as one of the best college basketball teams ever, was led by Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Bobby Hurley. Their triumph solidified Coach Krzyzewski’s growing dynasty at Duke.
3. 2001 – Duke won its third championship in 2001 when they defeated Arizona 82-72 in the title game. The 2001 Blue Devils were led by Jason Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mike Dunleavy, and their dominant play throughout the tournament helped them secure another national championship under Krzyzewski’s tutelage.
4. 2010 – After nearly a decade, Duke returned to the pinnacle of college basketball by winning the 2010 NCAA Tournament. They defeated Butler 61-59 in a tense championship game. The 2010 title was particularly memorable for the Blue Devils as they had a solid, well-rounded team led by Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, and Lance Thomas. This championship marked Krzyzewski’s fourth title and demonstrated his ability to sustain success in an ever-changing landscape of college basketball.
5. 2015 – As previously mentioned, Duke’s fifth and most recent championship came in 2015. With a dominant roster featuring Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones, Duke defeated Wisconsin in a tightly contested final to capture their fifth national title.
Legacy of Duke’s Championship Success
Duke’s five NCAA championships are a testament to the program’s consistency and excellence over the years. With 16 ACC titles and a staggering number of Final Four appearances, the Blue Devils have maintained their reputation as one of college basketball’s elite programs. Under Coach Krzyzewski, who retired in 2022 after an illustrious career, Duke continued to be a contender every season.
As the program transitions into a new era under head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke fans and analysts alike will continue to watch the team closely, eager to see if they can add to their already impressive championship tally in the future.
In conclusion, while the last time Duke won the Men’s NCAA Tournament was in 2015, the program’s history is filled with remarkable success, and they remain one of the premier teams in college basketball. The legacy of Duke Basketball is built on consistent excellence, with their five national titles standing as a testament to that enduring legacy.
