Date: November 9
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Christl Arena
TV: CBSSN
When Duke travels to West Point to face Army on Veteran’s Day, it will be more than just another early-season basketball game. The matchup carries deep symbolic meaning — a nod to service, discipline, and a connection forged decades ago through Duke’s most legendary figure, Mike Krzyzewski.
Coach K, who graduated from West Point in 1969, built his foundation under the legendary Bob Knight and later transformed Duke into one of college basketball’s defining programs. In his books, Krzyzewski reflected on how the rigid structure of West Point inspired his own coaching philosophy. He questioned some of the Academy’s strict rules, he admitted, but he came to understand that standards and expectations could create a culture of accountability without stifling individuality.
That philosophy — discipline fused with trust — became the backbone of Duke basketball.
A Tricky Assignment for a Young Duke Team
Despite Duke’s immense talent advantage, playing at Army presents a unique challenge. The Blue Devils are a ranked ACC powerhouse with NBA-level prospects, but Christl Arena is a place unlike any other on their schedule.
Army brings a different type of strength — maturity, leadership, and a collective discipline that defines service academies. The Black Knights’ roster features three seniors and two juniors who embody those values. Whether they’re playing big minutes or not, their presence sets the tone for a program where teamwork is not just a slogan but a daily expectation.
Coach K once wrote that West Point cadets didn’t have enough time in the mornings to get dressed alone — intentionally so. Roommates had to help one another, reinforcing that no one succeeds alone. That mindset still permeates Army’s athletic programs, giving them an edge in chemistry and unity even when the opponent is more talented.
Then there’s the atmosphere. Christl Arena seats just 5,043 fans, most of them cadets. Their intensity and energy can make the gym feel like a pressure cooker, especially for a young Duke team still learning to play together.
Coach Kevin Kuwik’s Influence
Army’s second-year head coach Kevin Kuwik brings his own blend of military discipline and high-level basketball experience. A Notre Dame graduate who commissioned through ROTC, Kuwik served in the military before turning fully to coaching. His résumé is impressive — he’s worked under Brad Stevens at Butler, Thad Matta at Ohio State, Archie Miller at Dayton, and Bob McKillop at Davidson.
If experience shapes coaching philosophy, Kuwik has had a masterclass education. In his first season at Army, he went 10–22, but last year, he guided the Black Knights to a 17–16 record and a CBI quarterfinal appearance — no small feat at a service academy.
Now, most of his roster is made up of his own recruits: nine sophomores and four freshmen. Kuwik relies on a nine-man rotation led by junior point guard Ryan Curry and senior forward Jorn Everson.
Army’s rotation:
Ryan Curry, 6’1” junior
Jorn Everson, 6’8” senior
Tate Łączkowski, 6’9” junior
Kevin McCarthy, 6’4” sophomore
Jacen Holloway, 6’4” sophomore
Jackson Furman, 6’2” freshman
Dayon Polk, 6’0” sophomore
Alex Engro, 6’1” sophomore
Dillon Watt, 5’10” freshman
McCarthy and Furman each average 16 points per game, with Holloway adding 14.5 and Everson 12.5. Łączkowski leads the team in rebounding at 8.5 per game, followed by Everson (6.5) and Curry (6.0), who also dishes out 7.0 assists a night.
Army opened the season with a 73–49 win over SUNY-Maritime before falling 83–76 to St. Thomas. Kuwik’s teams like to play fast and share the ball — last year they averaged 75.1 points per game, and they’re right around that mark again. When they win, it’s usually because they win the turnover battle.
Duke’s Early-Season Lessons
Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils come in 2–0 but not without concerns. Rebounding has been an early issue: Western Carolina grabbed 15 offensive boards against Duke, and Texas topped them 18–11 on the glass. Scheyer praised his team’s hustle but admitted they need to be more physical and disciplined on the boards.
Freshman guard Dame Sarr has shown elite speed but is still learning to finish, much like Danny Ferry did early in his career. Cayden Boozer and Khamenia are already showing flashes of brilliance, but the trip to West Point will test their composure and adaptability in a tough, emotional environment.
Respect for the Challenge
Kuwik, who favors offensive creativity, surely took notes from McKillop’s emphasis on movement and deception. His team may not have Duke’s raw talent, but it embodies the values of the Academy: preparation, teamwork, and relentless effort.
For Duke, this is a chance to honor its past while sharpening its future. For Army, it’s an opportunity to measure itself against one of college basketball’s gold standards.
No one outside of the Army locker room expects an upset — but given the culture of West Point, the discipline of Kuwik’s players, and the spirit of Veteran’s Day, it would be foolish to underestimate their resolve.
Duke’s talent may carry the day, but the respect between these programs runs much deeper than the final score.
