With both Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow fighting back foul trouble, and staring at a nine-point deficit late in the second half, it was the combination of Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen that pushed Duke forward to win its fifth national title, 68-63 over Wisconsin.
Jones finished the game with 23 points–of which, 19 came in the second half–and Grayson chipped in 16 points off of the bench. Frank Kaminsky tallied 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Badgers, days after being named AP Player of the Year.
After a game in foul trouble, Jahlil Okafor can finally exhale pic.twitter.com/r48kke88c2
— Jamie O’Grady (@JamieOGrady) April 7, 2015
Duke earned that one. Played tough on both sides of the ball. Great season for everyone evolved. Someone had to lose.
— Kyle Blackbourn (@CoachBlackbourn) April 7, 2015
Mike Krzyzewski earns his fifth national title, his first with this version of One-and-Done U. No one adjusts to changing eras better than K
— Eric Prisbell (@EricPrisbell) April 7, 2015
There is much to be made regarding what this victory means to the legacy of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and whether or not he can lay claim to the title of best coach in history. However, just as much will be made about the upcoming decisions surrounding Duke’s three star freshmen.
Okafor looks to be a lock to declare for the NBA Draft, and Winslow is right there as well. However, many thought that Jones was nearly a lock to return for his sophomore season. After being named MOP at the Final Four, there may not be a time when his stock is higher than right now.
Allen is destined to return to Duke, given that he averaged just 8.9 minutes per game.
Wisconsin will have to deal with the possibility of losing both Kaminsky and junior wing Sam Dekker. Kaminsky, of course, has used up his college eligibility, but Dekker has one final year to play in Madison, should he choose to.
