When Duke Basketball last faced Georgia Tech in ACCT, Jon Scheyer was the star.

The Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament (ACC Tournament) has been a marquee event in college basketball, attracting fans from across the nation to witness exciting matchups between some of the most storied programs in the sport. Among these programs, Duke University and Georgia Tech have had numerous memorable encounters, but one game stands out in recent history for its dramatic nature and the stellar performance of a future coaching legend—Jon Scheyer.

When Duke last faced Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament, Jon Scheyer played a crucial role in propelling his team to victory. As of the 2025 season, the last meeting between these two teams in the ACC Tournament occurred during the 2010 tournament, which was held in Greensboro, North Carolina. This game was a pivotal moment in Scheyer’s career, as he was already emerging as a leader for the Blue Devils and played an instrumental part in Duke’s eventual triumph.

Background of the 2010 ACC Tournament

The 2010 ACC Tournament was an exciting and highly competitive edition of the annual event. Held at the Greensboro Coliseum, it featured a loaded field of teams, all vying for the championship and a potential boost to their NCAA Tournament resume. Among the contenders were powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Maryland, each with its own set of star players.

Duke, under the leadership of head coach Mike Krzyzewski, entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, a position they had earned after a stellar regular season. The Blue Devils had finished the regular season with an impressive 26-5 record, including a 13-3 mark in the ACC. The team was led by a talented group of players, with Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith forming the core of the squad. Scheyer, in particular, had emerged as one of the most versatile and reliable players in the country, and his leadership would be key in the tournament.

Georgia Tech, on the other hand, entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed. The Yellow Jackets had a solid regular season, finishing 20-11 overall, with a 9-7 record in the ACC. Under head coach Paul Hewitt, Georgia Tech was known for its athleticism and tough defense, led by standout players like Derrick Favors, Gani Lawal, and Iman Shumpert. The Yellow Jackets had the potential to cause an upset, and they were determined to make a deep run in the tournament.

The stage was set for an exciting matchup between these two teams, with a spot in the ACC Tournament final on the line.

The Game: Duke vs. Georgia Tech in the 2010 ACC Tournament Semifinal

The game between Duke and Georgia Tech in the 2010 ACC Tournament semifinal took place on March 14, 2010. It was a highly anticipated clash between the Blue Devils, who had already established themselves as one of the best teams in the country, and the Yellow Jackets, who were looking to continue their tournament run and make a statement.

From the tip-off, it was clear that the game would be a battle. Duke and Georgia Tech both came out with intensity, and the pace of the game was fast and physical. The Yellow Jackets were determined to make things difficult for the Blue Devils, using their size and athleticism to challenge Duke’s offense.

However, Jon Scheyer’s performance in the game was nothing short of spectacular. The senior guard, who had already been playing at a high level throughout the season, turned in an extraordinary performance that would go down as one of his best games in a Duke uniform. Scheyer’s ability to score, create plays for his teammates, and play tough defense was on full display.

Scheyer’s Impact on the Game

Jon Scheyer’s performance in the semifinal was a masterclass in leadership and basketball IQ. He was everywhere on the court—scoring points, setting up plays, and playing key defense. Scheyer finished the game with 20 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, but his impact went far beyond the box score. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make clutch plays when his team needed them most was the difference-maker.

One of the most memorable moments of the game came in the second half when Scheyer took over offensively. With Georgia Tech mounting a challenge, Scheyer hit a series of crucial shots, including a timely three-pointer that pushed Duke’s lead back up. His ability to make plays in crunch time, especially when the game was tight, showed why he was one of the best players in college basketball during the 2009-2010 season.

Scheyer’s leadership was also evident in how he helped his teammates excel. Kyle Singler, who was another key player for Duke, had a solid game, scoring 10 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it was Scheyer’s playmaking that helped set him up for success. Nolan Smith, too, benefited from Scheyer’s ability to create opportunities, finishing the game with 16 points.

While Scheyer was the focal point of Duke’s offense, his defensive contributions were just as important. He did a commendable job of guarding Georgia Tech’s top players, including Iman Shumpert, who was one of the Yellow Jackets’ best scorers. Scheyer’s defensive awareness and ability to get in the passing lanes helped disrupt Georgia Tech’s rhythm and prevent them from building any sustained momentum.

Throughout the game, it was clear that Scheyer was in control. His ability to execute in both halves of the floor made him a matchup nightmare for Georgia Tech. It was also a testament to his mental toughness, as he remained poised and composed even as the Yellow Jackets attempted to mount a comeback.

The Final Stretch: Duke Holds Off Georgia Tech

As the game progressed, Georgia Tech continued to fight and kept the pressure on Duke. The Yellow Jackets were not easily intimidated, and they made several runs to close the gap. However, every time Georgia Tech seemed poised to take control, Scheyer and the Blue Devils answered with timely plays.

With less than three minutes remaining in the game, the score was tight, and Georgia Tech was within striking distance. This was when Scheyer’s leadership shone brightest. He drained a crucial three-pointer to extend Duke’s lead, and then hit a series of free throws down the stretch to ice the game. His calm under pressure was a hallmark of his entire career, and it was on full display in this crucial ACC Tournament matchup.

In the end, Duke emerged victorious with a 65-61 win, advancing to the ACC Tournament final. The Blue Devils’ victory was secured in large part because of Jon Scheyer’s exceptional play, and his performance that night cemented his place as one of the premier players in college basketball. The win also set the stage for Duke’s eventual championship run in the 2010 NCAA Tournament, where they would go on to capture the national title.

The Legacy of Jon Scheyer

Jon Scheyer’s performance in the 2010 ACC Tournament semifinal against Georgia Tech was a defining moment in his career. As the game’s leader and top performer, Scheyer demonstrated the qualities that would eventually make him a legendary figure in the Duke basketball program. He showed poise, skill, and leadership—traits that would serve him well as he transitioned from player to coach.

After finishing his career at Duke as one of the program’s all-time greats, Scheyer would go on to become the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils in 2022, following in the footsteps of Coach K. His time on the court, particularly in big games like the ACC Tournament semifinal against Georgia Tech, gave him the experience and wisdom needed to take the reins of one of the most successful college basketball programs in history.

As head coach, Scheyer has continued to build on the legacy of success that he helped create during his playing days. His knowledge of the game, combined with his ability to lead and inspire players, has made him one of the rising stars in college basketball coaching. The victory over Georgia Tech in the 2010 ACC Tournament remains a standout moment in Scheyer’s career, showcasing his incredible skill set and his ability to perform under pressure.

When Duke Basketball last faced Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament, Jon Scheyer was the star. His outstanding performance in the 2010 ACC Tournament semifinal helped propel Duke to a crucial victory, and his leadership was a key factor in the Blue Devils’ eventual success. The game highlighted Scheyer’s versatility, his basketball IQ, and his ability to step up in big moments, all of which would become hallmarks of his career.

That game against Georgia Tech was more than just a victory—it was a glimpse into the future of Duke basketball. Scheyer’s legacy as a player was solidified that night, and his journey would later lead him to the Duke head coaching job, where he continues to make his mark on the program. The 2010 ACC Tournament semifinal remains a memorable chapter in Duke’s storied basketball history and a testament to the greatness of Jon Scheyer.