Jon Scheyer has faced his share of challenges as the head coach of Duke University’s basketball team. When he was informed four years ago that the university was considering him as a successor to the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, he understood the weight of the task ahead. Scheyer immersed himself in research about previous coaches who followed in the footsteps of greats and recognized the difficulties most faced.
“I did my homework,” Scheyer recalled in a recent interview. “Very rarely do people succeed.”
However, Scheyer has proven to be a remarkable exception. Under his leadership, Duke has not only navigated the immense pressure of moving forward without Krzyzewski but has also experienced a successful transition. Recently, he led the Blue Devils to their first Final Four appearance in just his third season as head coach, a significant milestone in his coaching career. The top-seeded Blue Devils earned their spot in San Antonio with an impressive 85-65 victory over Alabama in the East Regional final.
Scheyer’s squad displayed an impressive defensive performance, effectively stifling Alabama’s potent offense, which had recently set records in scoring. From the outset, Duke established a considerable lead and managed the game well, delivering a decisive blow in the latter stages.
By outsmarting Alabama’s coach Nate Oats on such a crucial stage, Scheyer further solidified his credentials as an exemplary choice to take over from Krzyzewski. His coaching record now stands at an impressive 89 wins to 21 losses, inching him closer to joining the elites like Bob Knight and Dean Smith—two men who have won national championships both as players and coaches.
Many programs that have recently undergone similar transitions have encountered difficulties. For instance, after a disappointing three-season run without tournament appearances, Villanova decided to part ways with Kyle Neptune, who had succeeded Jay Wright. Syracuse had to reaffirm their trust in Adrian Autry as he struggled to follow in Jim Boeheim’s footsteps.
In contrast, Scheyer’s success can be attributed to several factors, one of which was the unique opportunity presented to him during Krzyzewski’s retirement tour. This period allowed Scheyer to observe and learn in real-time while preparing to take the reins.
“I don’t know how many coaches genuinely want to see the program succeed when they leave,” Scheyer reflected. “For me, I’ve always wanted to make him proud.”
One of the pivotal moments during this transition was the recruitment of Cooper Flagg, a talented player seen as a ‘generational talent.’ This recruitment was facilitated by former NBA player Brian Scalabrine, who advocated for Flagg to Scheyer. Initially skeptical, Scheyer quickly recognized Flagg’s potential after watching him play.
The connection Scheyer built with Flagg was instrumental. As Flagg’s mother had a long-standing admiration for Duke, the coaching staff went above and beyond to foster a personal relationship with Flagg. They hosted in-home visits and shared enjoyable activities, which helped cultivate trust and loyalty.
The commitment from Flagg last October marked a significant moment in Scheyer’s third year of coaching. His first two teams showcased contrasting strengths and weaknesses; now, he aimed to create a balanced squad that could contend for a national title.
Though many players departed for the NBA or entered the transfer portal following last season, this situation allowed Scheyer to selectively recruit players who could complement Flagg and the emerging talents at the program. He sought out veteran players eager to contribute selflessly to a winning team.
Among the new recruits, Sion James, Maliq Brown, and Mason Gillis were noted for their defensive skills and experience, fitting well into Duke’s strategy. Scheyer recognized the challenges ahead and was eager to build a cohesive team.
As the season progressed, it became evident that the roster Scheyer assembled was one of the strongest Duke teams in over a decade. This squad, characterized by height and skill, went up against formidable opponents, pushing back against the narrative that a team dominated by freshmen could compete at the highest level.
Duke’s recent games exemplified their depth and defensive prowess. Even opponents like Alabama, known for their scoring ability, struggled against the Blue Devils’ length and skillful play.
As the final moments of the recent victory over Alabama unfolded, Scheyer shared a triumphant moment with his players, emphasizing their journey. Afterward, he pumped up the pro-Duke crowd, expressing excitement for their upcoming adventure in San Antonio.
With the momentum building behind Scheyer and his team, this remarkable season may be just the beginning of Duke’s continued success under his guidance.
