Breaking: Jon Scheyer, the Coach of the Duke Blue Devils, Wins the Prestigious ACC Coach of the Year Award, Making History
In a historic moment for Duke University and the college basketball world, Jon Scheyer has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year after leading the Blue Devils to a spectacular season. Scheyer’s victory marks not only his first major coaching award but also a significant milestone in the history of Duke basketball, as it solidifies his leadership and marks the beginning of a new era for the storied program.
In just his first year as head coach, Scheyer has already demonstrated an impressive ability to mold his team into a cohesive and competitive unit, despite the pressures that come with following in the footsteps of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Krzyzewski, of course, was one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history, and many skeptics wondered whether Scheyer could live up to the incredibly high expectations that accompanied taking over the reins at Duke. Now, with this prestigious award, Scheyer has made it clear that he’s more than capable of continuing the Blue Devils’ tradition of excellence.
This achievement is the result of a combination of factors: Scheyer’s basketball acumen, his ability to connect with players, and his leadership both on and off the court. But more than just his personal success, Scheyer’s Coach of the Year recognition reflects the success of the entire Duke basketball program and the way it has evolved since his ascension to head coach. In this article, we’ll break down the impact of Scheyer’s award, his journey to becoming the head coach of Duke, and how his leadership has helped the Blue Devils reach new heights.
Scheyer’s Journey to Duke Head Coach
Jon Scheyer’s path to becoming the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils is nothing short of remarkable. A Duke basketball alumnus himself, Scheyer’s journey from player to assistant coach to head coach has been a natural progression for someone who was always destined to play a prominent role in the world of college basketball.
Scheyer played for Duke from 2006 to 2010 under Coach Krzyzewski, where he was a key contributor on the 2010 team that won the NCAA Tournament. His versatility, leadership, and high basketball IQ made him one of the most respected players during his time in Durham. He finished his career as one of the most successful players in Duke’s history, and his role in the team’s 2010 national championship win further solidified his place in the program’s legacy.
After graduating from Duke, Scheyer’s career continued to rise as he transitioned to coaching. In 2013, Scheyer returned to his alma mater as a special assistant to the head coach, working under Krzyzewski. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an assistant coach in 2014, where he played a crucial role in recruiting and developing Duke’s young talent. During his time as an assistant, he was known for his work with the guards, and his ability to connect with players—both on a personal and professional level—was evident.
When Krzyzewski announced that he would retire after the 2021-2022 season, it was clear that Scheyer would be the natural successor. His knowledge of the program, his rapport with players, and his success as an assistant coach made him the obvious choice. Scheyer was formally named the head coach in June 2021, taking over a program that had won five national championships under Krzyzewski and had produced some of the best players in college basketball history.
However, following Krzyzewski’s shadow was no easy task. The immense pressure of maintaining Duke’s high standards, recruiting at an elite level, and guiding the team through what promised to be a difficult transition season loomed large. But Scheyer quickly proved he was ready to lead.
Building a New Era at Duke
From the very beginning of his tenure, Scheyer faced high expectations, not only because of Duke’s storied history but also due to the uncertainty surrounding a new era in Blue Devils basketball. While Krzyzewski was known for his traditional style and heavy reliance on veteran leadership, Scheyer was expected to bring a new sense of energy and innovation to the program. The task was daunting, but Scheyer embraced the challenge with confidence, knowing that his foundation in Duke basketball and the relationships he had built during his time as an assistant would serve him well.
One of Scheyer’s first major challenges was adapting to the changing landscape of college basketball. With the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal, recruiting was becoming more dynamic and unpredictable. However, Scheyer proved adept at navigating this new world. His ability to connect with recruits and effectively communicate his vision for the program was key in securing commitments from some of the top high school prospects in the nation, including Dereck Lively II, Kyle Filipowski, and Tyrese Proctor. These players were key to Duke’s success in the 2022-2023 season.
Additionally, Scheyer’s leadership was crucial in helping his young team acclimate to the college game. Despite losing several key players to the NBA, the Blue Devils had a group of talented but inexperienced freshmen and sophomores. Scheyer’s ability to instill discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose in his players allowed them to develop quickly and compete at the highest level.
Duke’s style of play under Scheyer has also evolved. The Blue Devils have maintained their focus on hard-nosed defense and rebounding—two areas that were a hallmark of Krzyzewski’s teams—but Scheyer has incorporated a more modern approach to offense. His offensive philosophy emphasizes pace and spacing, while also giving players the freedom to showcase their individual skills. This approach has allowed Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jeremy Roach to flourish, while newcomers like Lively and Filipowski have quickly integrated into the team’s system.
Scheyer’s ability to build relationships with his players has been another key to his success. His approachable and calm demeanor has helped him connect with the team in a way that feels personal yet professional. This rapport with players has translated to Duke’s on-court success, as they’ve grown more cohesive and confident throughout the season. The trust Scheyer has built with his players has allowed them to buy into his system and perform at a high level.
The Historic ACC Coach of the Year Award
Scheyer’s recognition as ACC Coach of the Year is a testament to the incredible job he has done in his first season at the helm of Duke basketball. The ACC is one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, with teams like North Carolina, Virginia, Miami, and Louisville consistently being ranked among the nation’s best. To emerge as the best coach in such a competitive conference in his inaugural season is an extraordinary accomplishment for Scheyer.
The award recognizes not only the success of the team on the court but also the work Scheyer has done to build a positive culture, implement his system, and develop young talent. Under Scheyer, Duke has become one of the best defensive teams in the country, while also improving on offense. His work with freshmen and sophomores, helping them transition to the college game, has been particularly impressive. The development of young players like Kyle Filipowski, who has emerged as a dominant force in the ACC, and Tyrese Proctor, who has turned into one of the league’s top point guards, showcases Scheyer’s ability to bring out the best in his players.
Furthermore, Scheyer’s ability to handle the pressures of being the head coach at Duke, following Krzyzewski’s legendary tenure, deserves recognition. The expectations were sky-high, and yet Scheyer has proven he’s more than capable of handling them. His poise, leadership, and strategic acumen have made him a fitting successor to Krzyzewski, and his ACC Coach of the Year award cements his status as one of the rising stars in the coaching world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Duke Basketball
Jon Scheyer’s first season as Duke’s head coach has been a resounding success, and the future of the program looks incredibly bright. The Blue Devils are poised to be contenders in the NCAA Tournament, and Scheyer’s ability to manage his roster and adjust in-game will be critical as March Madness approaches.
Looking beyond this season, Duke’s recruiting pipeline is as strong as ever, and Scheyer’s leadership is sure to continue attracting top-tier talent. The Blue Devils will continue to be a major player in the ACC and on the national stage, with Scheyer at the helm.
Scheyer’s win as ACC Coach of the Year is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career as Duke’s head coach. His ability to adapt, lead, and develop players will ensure that Duke remains one of the premier programs in college basketball for years to come. The future is incredibly bright for both Scheyer and the Blue Devils, and their historic 2022-2023 season will go down as the start of a new and exciting era for Duke basketball.