In a historic and emotional moment for the Duke basketball program, Jon Scheyer has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year, cementing his rising legacy as one of college basketball’s most promising young coaches. The announcement, which sent waves across the college basketball landscape, is a defining milestone in Scheyer’s burgeoning coaching career and a fitting tribute to a season that saw the Blue Devils rise to national prominence with grit, consistency, and a new identity under his leadership.
Scheyer, who succeeded the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, now joins the pantheon of great Duke coaches to be honored with this distinction. The award is especially significant, not just because of Duke’s storied history, but because it validates Scheyer’s vision, resilience, and innovative approach in the face of immense expectations and pressure.
A Season of Rebirth and Resilience
Entering the 2024–25 season, the Blue Devils were seen as a talented but unproven squad. After losing multiple players to the NBA Draft and graduation the previous year, questions swirled around whether Scheyer could reload quickly enough to compete in a deeply competitive ACC. The doubters didn’t have to wait long for their answer.
Duke opened the season with a dominant performance in the Champions Classic, knocking off a top-five Kansas squad behind the leadership of veteran guard Tyrese Proctor and the emergence of freshman phenom Coen Carr. From that point forward, Scheyer’s team played with a fire that captured the attention of national pundits and fans alike. With a mixture of defensive toughness, elite perimeter shooting, and poise in clutch moments, the Blue Devils surged to a 26–5 regular-season record, including a 16–4 record in ACC play, earning them the regular-season conference title.
More impressively, Scheyer achieved this success while integrating a new wave of freshmen and managing injuries to key contributors like Mark Mitchell and Jaden Schutt throughout the year. His ability to adapt, recalibrate lineups, and inspire confidence in his players made all the difference.
Earning Respect in the Shadows of Legends
When Jon Scheyer was announced as the heir to Coach K, many saw it as a daunting and perhaps unwinnable task. How does one follow the greatest coach in college basketball history? Scheyer, however, never pretended to be Coach K. He carved his own path, blending the Duke tradition with a modern, player-first approach.
Scheyer, now in his third season as Duke’s head coach, has shown that he can lead the program with both humility and a competitive edge. He doesn’t just manage the team; he molds it. He doesn’t merely follow a playbook; he innovates and tailors his schemes to the evolving strengths of his roster.
What stood out most this season was how Scheyer balanced development with results. Sophomore forward Sean Stewart blossomed into one of the conference’s premier rebounders under Scheyer’s guidance, while senior Ryan Young emerged as a steady veteran presence off the bench, often praised by Scheyer for his basketball IQ and locker room leadership.
Scheyer’s coaching tree is also starting to take root, with several former assistants now garnering head coaching interest elsewhere—another sign that Duke, under his watch, is once again becoming a coaching incubator.
A Strategic Mastermind
The award is not just about wins and losses. It’s about how Scheyer transformed the identity of this Duke team. While many fans associate Duke with high-flying offense and isolation-heavy play, this season’s team prided itself on defensive versatility, efficient ball movement, and team-first mentality.
Scheyer’s offensive sets emphasized spacing, drive-and-kick action, and off-ball screens that created open looks for sharp shooters like Jared McCain. Defensively, he relied on switching schemes and high-pressure perimeter defense, spearheaded by Caleb Foster, who took a major leap as one of the ACC’s top two-way guards.
Perhaps most impressively, Scheyer out-coached several of the conference’s top minds in pivotal matchups. His in-game adjustments during wins over North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami drew praise for their precision and creativity. Against the Tar Heels in the regular-season finale, Scheyer’s decision to go small-ball midway through the second half sparked a 12–2 run that flipped the momentum and sealed Duke’s claim to the ACC crown.
Winning Over the Duke Faithful
If there were lingering doubts among fans about whether Scheyer was the right man for the job, they’ve been emphatically erased. Cameron Indoor Stadium has once again become a fortress, and the Duke fanbase—arguably the most passionate in college basketball—has rallied behind their young coach.
During senior night, chants of “Jon-ny! Jon-ny!” echoed through the arena, a heartfelt testament to the bond he has forged with the fans. The Cameron Crazies have embraced him not just as a coach but as one of their own.
Even beyond Durham, the respect for Scheyer is palpable. Rival coaches, analysts, and former players have all voiced admiration for how he has handled the monumental task of following Coach K while putting his own stamp on the program.
Building a Sustainable Powerhouse
What sets Scheyer apart is not just what he’s accomplished this season, but the groundwork he’s laying for the future. His recruiting acumen continues to bear fruit. The upcoming 2025 class, headlined by top-10 recruit Isaiah Evans, is another reminder that elite talent still sees Duke as a premier destination—and Scheyer as a coach they want to play for.
But beyond the stars, Scheyer is building something deeper: a culture of accountability, toughness, and brotherhood. He emphasizes academics, character, and long-term development as much as draft stock and stats. It’s a holistic vision that blends tradition with innovation.
Behind the scenes, his relationships with players are often cited as one of his biggest strengths. Scheyer is known for late-night film sessions, personalized workouts, and honest, direct communication. Players trust him. Parents trust him. And the results are showing on and off the court.
ACC Coach of the Year: The Vote and the History
Scheyer received 39 of the 60 first-place votes for ACC Coach of the Year, a commanding margin over runner-up Tony Bennett of Virginia and third-place Kevin Keatts of NC State. This marks the first time since 2010 that a Duke coach has received the honor, with Coach K last winning the award that season.
Scheyer becomes only the fourth Duke coach to ever win the ACC Coach of the Year, joining the ranks of Vic Bubas, Bill Foster, and Mike Krzyzewski. At just 37 years old, Scheyer is also one of the youngest coaches ever to win the award in conference history.
The Road Ahead
While the ACC Coach of the Year award is a fitting recognition of a remarkable season, Scheyer and the Blue Devils aren’t done yet. With the ACC Tournament looming, Duke enters as the No. 1 seed, carrying the momentum of a six-game winning streak and a healthy, hungry roster.
Beyond that, the NCAA Tournament awaits—and with it, the opportunity for Scheyer to cement his status among the coaching elite. Last year’s Sweet Sixteen run was promising, but this year’s squad has the depth, balance, and experience to contend for a national championship.
“I’m proud of this team,” Scheyer said during a press conference following the award announcement. “We’ve been through a lot together, and this honor is a reflection of their hard work and belief. We’re not satisfied. There’s more basketball to be played, and we’re ready.”
Final Thoughts: A Coach, A Leader, A Blue Devil Forever
Jon Scheyer’s journey from national champion player to head coach was always going to be under the microscope. But instead of flinching, he flourished. In winning the ACC Coach of the Year, Scheyer has validated not just the administration’s faith in him, but also the hopes of a fanbase eager to see Duke continue its reign as a college basketball titan.
This award marks a new chapter in the Blue Devils’ storied history—one defined by Jon Scheyer’s courage, innovation, and unwavering belief in his players and his program. With a strong foundation now in place and the nation watching, the future of Duke basketball is in incredibly steady hands.