Jon Scheyer, the head coach of Duke University’s men’s basketball team, is a figure who has rapidly become synonymous with success and leadership. His journey to becoming one of the most influential and respected coaches in college basketball wasn’t one marked by a smooth, traditional path. Instead, it was shaped by a series of challenges, influences, and experiences that allowed him to evolve both as a player and a coach. One of the most significant factors in shaping who Jon Scheyer is today, both as a person and as a leader, was his involvement with FAAM (Future Athletes of America Mentoring), a mentoring organization that helped refine his vision of what leadership truly meant. It is no exaggeration to say that FAAM played a pivotal role in molding the coach we see at the helm of Duke’s powerhouse program today.
Jon Scheyer’s rise in basketball was nothing short of meteoric. A native of Chicago, Scheyer’s skills on the court were apparent from a young age. He made a name for himself as a standout player at Glenbrook North High School, where his basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and shooting ability set him apart. His subsequent college career at Duke was similarly distinguished. Scheyer quickly became one of the program’s key players under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. His sharp mind, ability to execute under pressure, and knack for inspiring teammates were traits that made him indispensable to Duke’s success, including their 2010 National Championship win.
However, while his time at Duke as a player certainly shaped him, it was his later experiences, particularly his involvement with FAAM, that helped define the leadership approach that would guide him once he transitioned to coaching. Scheyer’s connection to FAAM began not as a coach but as a mentee. Having been a standout player, he found himself seeking ways to connect deeper with the larger basketball community and the young players who looked up to him. FAAM provided a structure through which he could channel his own values and mentorship, teaching him lessons about how to relate to players beyond just basketball.
FAAM was not simply a place where players learned to be better athletes. The organization focused heavily on the holistic development of young athletes, particularly in understanding the value of mental toughness, emotional intelligence, and community leadership. It also encouraged the importance of a strong academic foundation and life after basketball. These values resonated deeply with Scheyer, who had always prided himself on his discipline, but the organization pushed him to think beyond the court.
As a mentee in FAAM, Scheyer was exposed to a range of ideas and approaches regarding leadership. He was taught that true leadership was not about dominating others or exerting control, but about inspiring trust, providing vision, and being adaptable in the face of challenges. The coaches and mentors within FAAM, many of whom were successful former athletes themselves, emphasized a key lesson: leadership requires a deep understanding of people. It is about meeting them where they are and guiding them toward a shared vision.
These values resonated with Scheyer as he navigated his own journey, especially during the transition from being a player to taking on a coaching role. It was no longer enough to rely on his natural talent and sharp basketball skills. He realized that in order to succeed as a coach, he needed to be a mentor, a guide, and an emotional anchor for his players, much like the mentors he had experienced during his time with FAAM.
This focus on emotional intelligence became evident in Scheyer’s coaching philosophy. When he became the head coach at Duke in 2022, he inherited a team full of expectations and legacy pressure, following in the footsteps of Coach K, who had led the program for over four decades. Yet, rather than adopting a traditional authoritarian approach or simply trying to replicate the success of his predecessor, Scheyer sought to implement a coaching philosophy that placed a significant emphasis on building relationships with his players. He drew upon the lessons learned from FAAM to become a more empathetic and understanding coach, prioritizing the mental and emotional well-being of his players alongside their development as athletes.
Scheyer’s leadership style is rooted in his understanding that players are not just basketball players; they are individuals with aspirations, challenges, and emotions that go beyond the court. FAAM helped him recognize the value in taking time to understand his players’ backgrounds, their personal struggles, and what motivates them beyond the game of basketball. This approach has allowed him to build a strong sense of camaraderie within the Duke locker room, where players feel heard, supported, and valued.
One of the key principles Scheyer absorbed from FAAM was the idea of “mentorship through empathy.” Rather than adopting a top-down approach, Scheyer is known for fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration. His ability to connect with players on a personal level has been one of the defining aspects of his coaching tenure thus far. He does not shy away from challenging his players, but he does so with a sense of understanding and respect for their individual journeys.
Additionally, FAAM’s focus on holistic development also influenced Scheyer’s approach to balancing the academic and athletic demands of college life. Understanding that a Duke student-athlete is not only responsible for their performance on the basketball court but also for excelling in the classroom, Scheyer emphasizes the importance of academic success. He frequently reminds his players that their time at Duke is about more than just basketball; it’s about preparing them for life after the sport. This focus on education and preparing his players for the next phase of their lives has allowed Scheyer to foster a well-rounded program that produces not only great basketball players but also successful individuals in various fields.
Moreover, FAAM helped Scheyer recognize the importance of community and giving back. As a leader, he embraced the notion that leadership extends beyond the team and into the broader community. He often encourages his players to engage with their local community, participate in charity work, and use their platform as athletes to make a positive impact on the world around them. This focus on social responsibility has become a hallmark of Scheyer’s program, as he seeks to develop not only talented players but also responsible, socially-conscious individuals.
While Scheyer’s time at FAAM was undoubtedly influential in shaping his approach to coaching, it was not the only factor. His years under Coach K, his professional playing career, and his inherent leadership qualities all contributed to his development. However, it was the values he embraced through FAAM that allowed him to merge his natural talents with a deeper understanding of how to lead, inspire, and develop players both on and off the court.
As Scheyer continues to grow in his role as Duke’s head coach, the impact of FAAM on his leadership style remains clear. He has developed a reputation for being a coach who not only prioritizes winning but also prioritizes the growth and well-being of his players. He understands that success in college basketball is not just about championships and accolades but about developing young men who are prepared for the challenges of life beyond the game. And in that sense, Scheyer’s journey with FAAM has had a lasting influence, shaping him into the thoughtful, empathetic, and dynamic leader he is today.
In conclusion, Jon Scheyer’s path to becoming the head coach of Duke men’s basketball is one shaped by various influences, but none have had as profound an impact on his leadership style as FAAM. The organization helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to lead, teach, and inspire young athletes. It emphasized the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, mentorship, and community, all of which Scheyer has integrated into his coaching philosophy. As a result, Duke basketball under Scheyer’s leadership has become a program that values not only athletic excellence but also the growth and development of young men, preparing them for success in both basketball and life.