Home Customer Service Stay Connected Read today’s Edition Raleigh’s Best Detour Travel Local Events News Sports Politics Business & Real Estate Living & Entertainment Opinion Obituaries Video Featured Reality Check Uniquely Herald Sun Detour Travel Raleigh’s Best Guides Shopping/Reviews Deals & Offers Press Releases Sponsored Content Classifieds Place an Ad – Celebrations Search Jobs Search Legal Notices Advertising $1.99 WELCOME OFFER CLAIM SPORTS Clemson hosts Duke in ACC Heavyweight Bout By Cannon Gerard Athlon Sports Updated February 07, 2025 6:28 PM The Duke Blue Devils come into Littlejohn Coliseum sitting alone atop the ACC standings, looking to capture their last true road conference test of the season. Standing in the way is the Clemson Basketball team coming off their second conference loss of the season earlier this week in a 9:00 P.M.

tip against Georgia Tech. Clemson is hoping to have a stronger shooting performance from its players, after shooting 32% and missing 25 shots outside the arc.

Duke comes into the game with a conference-best 37.7% opponent shooting percentage, so the Tigers can expect intensity and opposition for every bucket.

Stopping Cooper Flagg will surely be the hardest task for the Tigers on Saturday, and Chauncey Wiggins is the name floating around to handle that task.

We’ve heard previously that Duke doesn’t play much zone, so we should see these one-on-one matchups utilized for both teams. A common factor in losses for Clemson this season has been foul trouble early.

Viktor Lakhin has shown he can be a difference-maker in these big-time moments if he can stay composed, and avoid costly fouls.

In games in which the emotion has gotten the better of him, Clemson has struggled with his absence; two of Clemson’s losses have come in games where Viktor Lakhin has fouled out.

Big games are what fuels this Clemson team, and we should expect to see one of the best atmospheres of the season on Saturday.

The Tigers enter the game boasting an impressive four-game winning streak at home against AP Top 4 teams, including the Blue Devils back in 2020–making this matchup one of the games to watch.

If Clemson can slow the game down, similar to how they were able to contain that Kentucky team they have a chance against Duke. No doubt they will need some heroic effort from one of its key players, and a task that nobody in the country has succeeded in this year: stopping Cooper Flagg.

Going into Saturday bruised from looking too far down the line, this Clemson team is surely going to give a valiant effort against the 2nd-ranked Blue Devils. Playing the underdog is the worst thing to do against the Tigers, and I expect them to prove it this weekend.

The Blue Devils are currently 7.5-point favorites, according to Fanduel.

Duke basketball is led by freshmen this season, and head coach Jon Scheyer is fine with it. The Blue Devils got a pair of fabulous performances from diaper dandies Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, in a win over North Carolina Saturday.

“They absolutely feed off each other,” Scheyer said, per ESPN. “It starts with their competitiveness. They play both sides of the ball. They have high-level feel. … Add in their skill and versatility. Kon’s posting and shooting and pick-and-roll. And everybody knows, Cooper’s already doing everything. They have a great thing. There’s a lot of maturity with both of them.”

Flagg and Knueppel each scored at least 20 points for Duke in a rousing 87-70 victory. Knueppel led the way with 22 points and five assists. Flagg poured in another 21 points, and grabbed eight rebounds. He nearly posted a triple-double for the squad.

Duke is now 11-0 in the ACC, and 19-2 overall this season.

Duke basketball is playing like the no. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The club has won 15 straight games, and Flagg and Knueppel are leading the way. Flagg is dominating nearly every stat category for the team this season.

Flagg was tough on himself after the North Carolina game. He said he felt winded, which dropped his intensity level.

Home Customer Service Stay Connected Read today’s Edition Best of Middle Georgia News Sports Living & Entertainment Opinion Obituaries Video Featured Reality Check Uniquely Best of Middle Georgia Shopping/Reviews Deals & Offers Press Releases Sponsored Content Classifieds Place an Ad – Celebrations Search Jobs Search Legal Notices Advertising $1.99/6mo WELCOME OFFER CLAIM SPORTS Jayson Tatum Sends Strong Message to Duke’s Cooper Flagg By Matthew G. Audilet Athlon Sports Updated February 07, 2025 1:37 PM The Duke Blue Devils are cruising through the 2024-25 college basketball season, led by superstar freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. Flagg joined Jon Scheyer’s Duke program as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class. And at the conclusion of his freshman season in Durham, he’s expected to enter the 2025 NBA Draft as the presumed No. 1 overall pick.

The basketball world has high expectations for Flagg as he makes the jump from college to the NBA. But for now, the Maine native is enjoying his time with the Blue Devils.

Former Duke star Jayson Tatum knows exactly what Flagg is going through in his freshman season.

After his one collegiate campaign with the Blue Devils in 2016-17, Tatum was selected by the Boston Celtics with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

During a recent appearance on “The Brotherhood Podcast” with his former Duke teammate Amile Jefferson, Tatum sent some poignant advice to Flagg. “You’re so close to reaching your ultimate dream, which is to play in the NBA, right?” Tatum said.

“You feel like, ‘I’m only 10 months away – like, I can smell it.’ The NBA’s not going nowhere. It’s gonna be there. He’s gonna get drafted. He’s gonna do amazing things.”

“Once you leave college, you leave. Like, those moments, you won’t ever get back,” Tatum continued. “Playing in Cameron Indoor Stadium, going to Chapel Hill, going on the road with your teammates and playing in Miami or whatever it is, you know, those moments are priceless. And as soon as I left Duke, like, I really missed it.

“… Enjoy the moment, stay present, because it does go by fast. And you’ll never be able to get that time back.”

Flagg and Duke will take the court for their next game against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday evening. Tatum and the Celtics will face off against the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is set to make waves in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, a 6’8″ forward with an unparalleled blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ, has already captivated fans and analysts alike with his electrifying playstyle and relentless competitiveness. The standout high school prospect is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming draft, potentially altering the landscape of the NBA for years to come.

Flagg’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility has made him a once-in-a-generation talent. Known for his ability to dominate both ends of the floor, he has often drawn comparisons to some of the greatest NBA players of all time. His fearlessness on the court and ability to take over games has led many to believe that he could be the future face of the league.

What makes Flagg’s story even more remarkable is his journey to Duke. Despite the traditional college basketball powerhouse status, Flagg’s decision to play under Coach Jon Scheyer has signaled a new era for the program. He is expected to be a key figure in turning Duke into a perennial title contender once again.

As the NBA Draft approaches, Cooper Flagg is primed to not only make history by being one of the youngest and most hyped players in the draft but to create new opportunities for players to redefine what it means to be a dual-threat in today’s game. Fans, scouts, and analysts are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his storied career, as Flagg is poised to take the NBA by storm.

Jon Scheyer has resigned from his position as the general manager of the Duke Blue Devils. The resignation comes on the heels of intense scrutiny and backlash surrounding a recent trade involving Khaman Maluach, a rising star who was traded away in a deal that many viewed as controversial. The trade, which sent Maluach to another team, raised significant questions among fans and analysts alike. Maluach, who had garnered attention for his strong performances and potential, was seen by many as a key player in Duke’s future plans. The decision to part ways with him has sparked outrage across the Blue Devils’ fanbase, with some critics accusing Scheyer of mishandling the team’s roster decisions. In his resignation statement, Scheyer expressed regret over the trade and acknowledged the negative impact it had on the team and its supporters. “I take full responsibility for the trade involving Khaman Maluach. I understand the concerns it has caused within the community, and I am deeply sorry for the turmoil it has created,” Scheyer said. “The team’s success and the loyalty of our fans are always my top priorities, and I believe stepping down is in the best interest of the Blue Devils.” Duke officials have yet to announce a replacement for Scheyer, but sources suggest the team is already in the process of identifying candidates to fill the general manager position. The Blue Devils now face a critical period of leadership transition as they work to restore fan trust and solidify their future plans. This resignation marks a significant turning point for Duke basketball, as Scheyer’s departure leaves a notable void in the team’s front office. Further updates are expected in the coming days.

The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils improved their record to 20-2 with a dominant win over the Syracuse Orange on Wednesday night.

In front of a crowd of 23,313 at the JMA Wireless Dome, Jon Scheyer’s squad notched an 83-54 victory over the home-team Orange.

This 29-point margin marks the largest road win at the JMA Dome since 2020. In fact, Duke holds three of the four highest margins of victory at Syracuse’s home arena over that time period.

In addition to Wednesday night’s 29-point win, Duke has also notched 25 and 22-point wins since 2020.

Duke announced this impressive statistic on social media.

“Largest road wins at JMA Dome since 2020

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Duke Basketball Makes Historic Announcement After Dominant Win Over Syracuse

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The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils improved their record to 20-2 with a dominant win over the Syracuse Orange on Wednesday night.

In front of a crowd of 23,313 at the JMA Wireless Dome, Jon Scheyer’s squad notched an 83-54 victory over the home-team Orange.

This 29-point margin marks the largest road win at the JMA Dome since 2020. In fact, Duke holds three of the four highest margins of victory at Syracuse’s home arena over that time period.

In addition to Wednesday night’s 29-point win, Duke has also notched 25 and 22-point wins since 2020.

Duke announced this impressive statistic on social media.

“Largest road wins at JMA Dome since 2020

1.  Duke: 29 (2/5/25)
2.  Duke: 25 (2/26/22)
3.  Louisville: 24 (1/14/25)
4.  Duke: 22 (2/18/23)”

Duke utilized a balanced scoring attack in Wednesday’s win over Syracuse. Five Blue Devils finished in double figures, led by veteran guard Tyrese Proctor with 16. Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown led the Blue Devils with eight rebounds.

“Maliq has changed our team dramatically,” Scheyer said after the game. “… Maliq is the ultimate teammate. He’s incredibly unselfish. He’s been everything we could ask for and more. He’s a menace on the defensive end. His passing, his energy, you know, he led us in rebounding tonight.”

Duke has strung together 16 consecutive wins since Nov. 26’s loss to the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks. The Blue Devils will look to continue this streak in a matchup against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday evening.

For generations of college basketball fans, Dick Vitale has been the voice of the sport. That’s why his two-year absence from broadcasting due to multiple battles with cancer has left a hole in the college hoops world.

Fortunately, Vitale is ready to return to the airwaves and he’ll make his long-awaited broadcast comeback Saturday night when Clemson hosts No. 2 Duke at Littlejohn Coliseum in what could be the game of the year in the ACC.

It has been a long road back for the 85-year-old television legend. He last called a game in April of 2023 and since then, he’s battled four different forms of cancer.

What’s more, last month he fell at his home in Florida. That incident delayed his return to television as he was supposed to call Duke’s game at Wake Forest on January 25.

Vitale joined the ESPN broadcasting team in the 1979-80 season following a college and professional coaching career. Since then, he’s become the most familiar and enthusiastic voice in college basketball broadcasting. In 2008 he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“I’m living the American dream,” Vitale once said. “I learned from my mom and dad, who didn’t have a formal education, but had doctorates of love. They told me that if you gave 110 percent all the time, a lot of beautiful things will happen. I may not always be right, but no one can ever accuse me of not having a genuine love and passion for whatever I do. And ESPN has been grateful enough to recognize this.”

Saturday has provided college basketball fans with one of the top slates of the season so far, with multiple ranked matchups and the legendary Duke Blue Devils versus North Carolina Tar Heels rivalry. With that said, the College Gameday crew headed to Durham for this weekend’s marquee matchup.

Entering Saturday ranked 2nd in the country in the AP Poll and 18-2 on the season, this year’s Duke team will look to bounce back in the NCAA Tournament after falling to NC State in the Elite Eight last season. One of the reasons they should be able to be is star freshman Cooper Flagg, who has taken the nation by storm as he eyes the prestigious Naismith Player of the Year honors. Beyond that, he’s received immense recognition and praise from the national media.

On ESPN’s College Gameday, analysts Jay Bilas and Jay Williams, both former Blue Devils themselves, made bold statements on Flagg and the incredible season he’s had up to this point.

“I think he’s the most advanced freshman in every facet of the game that Duke’s had, and they’ve had some unbelievable freshmen here,” Bilas said per On3 Sports. “I’m not saying he’s the most talented, there’s Jayson Tatum, Kyrie [Irving]. … There have been some great freshmen here, but what he’s doing on a competitive level — he’s the most competitive freshman I’ve seen.”

Williams doubled down on Bilas’ statement, saying, “For being the second youngest player in college basketball, I think he’s the most complete player that Duke has had in basketball history.”

Williams also threw in comparisons to freshmen stars of the past like Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, and Jabari Parker, but thinks there’s just something different about Flagg.

However, if Flagg wants to go down as a Duke great, he’ll have to perform in the most meaningful game yet in his Blue Devil’s career against the Tar Heels Saturday night.

There is no love lost between the Duke basketball program and North Carolina Tar Heels.

The rivalry is real in every sense of the word and neither school wants the other to succeed on the basketball court and the Blue Devils can deliver a massive blow to the NCAA Tournament hopes of the Tar Heels on Saturday night.

Many bracketologists believe that North Carolina is in danger of missing March Madness with a less than mediocre resume that lacks quality wins and bad losses are beginning to pile up in the struggling ACC.

The best victory for the Tar Heels came on a neutral court in December against UCLA while they let opportunities against Kansas, Auburn, Michigan State, Alabama, and Florida slip through its hands – not to mention its recent conference losses to Stanford, Wake Forest, and Pittsburgh.

Hubert Davis’ team nearly dug its own grave at home last weekend against Boston College but rallied to win in overtime.

Now, comes the most daunting part of the schedule for North Carolina (13-9, 6-4 ACC) and it must capitalize to make the NCAA Tournament as it continues to play four straight Quad 1 games.

Saturday against No. 2 Duke (18-2, 10-0 ACC) is, by far, the most important on its slate. A win and everything changes surrounding the conversation with the Tar Heels while the pressure starts to mount with a loss and needing wins in its next two games, a rematch with Pitt at home and a road matchup against Clemson.

North Carolina is No. 41 in the NET with a 1-8 record in Quad 1 games and 5-9 mark in Quad 1 and Quad 2 matchups with an unblemished record in eight Quad 3 and Quad 4 games.

It’s a game of major importance for both teams, but more so for North Carolina and Duke has a chance to push its rival further away from the NCAA Tournament with a victory on its home floor Saturday night (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).