Is Duke basketball’s Jon Scheyer the coach of the year? There’s a strong case for it

Is Duke Basketball’s Jon Scheyer the Coach of the Year? There’s a Strong Case for It

Jon Scheyer, in just his second year as head coach of Duke University’s men’s basketball team, has made a remarkable impact that has sparked debate on whether he deserves to be named Coach of the Year. There’s a strong case for Scheyer’s candidacy, given the transformation and success he has brought to the program, navigating challenges, developing talent, and maintaining the prestigious legacy of Duke basketball. Here’s an in-depth look at why Jon Scheyer is a top contender for Coach of the Year honors.

1. Taking the Reins After Coach K’s Legacy

Jon Scheyer’s appointment as head coach of Duke basketball was a historic one. Following the retirement of Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary coach who led Duke to five NCAA championships and established the program as one of the nation’s elite, Scheyer stepped into a role that was laden with high expectations. Krzyzewski’s legacy loomed large, and filling those shoes was never going to be an easy task. The pressure on Scheyer was immense.

However, he handled the transition with remarkable poise. Rather than trying to replicate Coach K’s style or adopt a “business as usual” approach, Scheyer has developed his own identity as a coach while respecting the traditions of the Duke program. The pressure of living up to the Duke standard while crafting a distinct coaching philosophy has been immense, but Scheyer has managed the delicate balance with relative ease, earning respect both from his players and from the broader college basketball community.

2. Navigating the Complexities of a Rebuilding Year

In his first season at the helm (2022-2023), Scheyer faced an uphill battle. While Duke was still a top-tier program, it was also a year of transition. The roster had a mix of returnees and newcomers, including several high-profile freshmen. Scheyer was tasked not only with managing the team’s expectations but also with building chemistry and setting a new direction.

Despite these challenges, Scheyer’s first season was far from a disaster. Duke earned a 26-9 record and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The program had a strong showing in the ACC, finishing in the top half of the conference. But more importantly, Scheyer showed he could adapt quickly to the rigors of being a head coach, adjusting his strategies to suit the strengths of his roster and leveraging the experience of veterans while developing young talent.

Now, in his second season, Scheyer has taken Duke basketball to new heights, with his program poised to contend for another ACC title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. This progress, coming off a rebuilding year, illustrates the stability and upward trajectory Scheyer has managed to establish in a short time.

3. Player Development and Talent Recognition

One of the hallmarks of any successful coach is the ability to develop talent and bring out the best in players. Scheyer’s ability to develop young players has been one of the key factors in Duke’s continued success under his leadership.

The 2023-2024 season saw the emergence of several players who have flourished under Scheyer’s guidance. Freshmen like Tyrese Proctor, a highly touted guard, have matured into significant contributors, showing not just their potential but also their readiness to lead. Scheyer’s trust in these young players has helped them develop quickly, which speaks volumes about his ability to assess and unlock their potential.

In addition to his work with freshmen, Scheyer has also managed to elevate the performance of returning players. For example, junior forward Kyle Filipowski has blossomed into a star under Scheyer’s watch, showcasing his versatility and becoming one of the best players in college basketball. Filipowski’s development is a testament to Scheyer’s ability to identify strengths and refine weaknesses. Scheyer has shown that he can not only recruit elite talent but also coach them into becoming better versions of themselves, which is a crucial skill for any Coach of the Year contender.

4. A Strong Defensive Identity

One of the defining characteristics of Jon Scheyer’s Duke teams has been their emphasis on defense. In a landscape where high-scoring offenses often take center stage, Scheyer has remained committed to building a defensive-minded squad. This commitment has paid off in the form of one of the most stingy defenses in college basketball.

Duke’s defense under Scheyer has been both tough and disciplined, relying on length, athleticism, and a strong team-first mentality. The Blue Devils have consistently ranked among the best teams in the nation in points allowed per game, field goal percentage defense, and turnovers forced. Scheyer has crafted a team that is difficult to break down on the defensive end, and this has been a huge part of their success.

In particular, the development of players like Mark Mitchell, who has become a standout defender, highlights Scheyer’s emphasis on defensive growth. The ability to combine strong individual defenders with a cohesive team defense has given Duke a clear edge in many of their games, making them a formidable opponent for anyone.

5. Maximizing the Strengths of His Roster

Another reason Jon Scheyer deserves consideration for Coach of the Year is his ability to maximize the strengths of his roster. In college basketball, coaches are often evaluated not just by their overall record, but by how effectively they use their players and adjust their systems to suit the strengths of their teams. Scheyer has done an excellent job of balancing offense and defense while implementing strategies that play to his players’ skills.

For instance, with Filipowski and other skilled big men like Dereck Lively II, Scheyer has designed an offense that takes advantage of their size and ability to stretch the floor. Lively’s shot-blocking and rim protection have been game-changers, while Filipowski’s ability to operate both inside and on the perimeter has created matchup nightmares for opposing teams. Scheyer has ensured that his players’ talents are maximized, rather than trying to force them into roles they are not suited for.

Additionally, Scheyer has been able to adapt his lineups and rotations based on the matchups Duke faces, showcasing his tactical flexibility. Whether it’s playing more aggressively in transition or tightening the defense in close games, Scheyer has proven he can make the necessary adjustments in real time.

6. Strong Performances in Big Games

One of the most telling signs of a great coach is their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Scheyer has shown time and time again that he can lead his team in crucial moments. Whether it’s a marquee game against a rival like North Carolina or a high-stakes matchup in the ACC Tournament, Scheyer’s Blue Devils have consistently delivered in big moments.

Duke’s performance against top-ranked teams, particularly in key ACC matchups, has been a hallmark of Scheyer’s tenure. In these high-profile games, Scheyer’s ability to calm his players and focus them on executing their game plan has been evident. Duke has shown resilience, not backing down from challenges and often emerging victorious in games that could define their season.

Moreover, Scheyer has managed the highs and lows of the season with impressive composure. For example, when Duke faced mid-season struggles or injuries to key players, Scheyer was able to retool his team, get them back on track, and keep them focused on their ultimate goals.

7. Recruiting Success

Another factor in Scheyer’s Coach of the Year candidacy is his ability to recruit. While Duke has always been a prestigious program, Scheyer has continued the tradition of bringing in elite talent. His recruiting prowess was on full display in the 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes, as he landed several top-tier prospects, including Proctor, who has quickly turned into one of the team’s leaders.

Scheyer’s ability to recruit not just skilled players but also individuals who fit into the team’s culture and defensive mindset has been impressive. This has helped Duke remain competitive at the highest level, even as other programs continue to recruit at a high level. Scheyer’s success on the recruiting trail is crucial to maintaining Duke’s position among the nation’s elite programs.

Why Jon Scheyer Deserves Coach of the Year

When evaluating Jon Scheyer for Coach of the Year, it’s clear that he has done an exceptional job in just two years at Duke. He has successfully navigated the transition from Mike Krzyzewski’s tenure, maintained a high level of performance, and developed his players into elite competitors. His ability to manage both the Xs and Os and the intangibles of coaching—building a strong culture, developing young players, and maximizing team strengths—has been impressive.

In a season full of strong coaching performances across the country, Jon Scheyer’s work at Duke stands out. The Blue Devils are once again a force in college basketball, and Scheyer deserves recognition for his role in their success. The argument for him as Coach of the Year is not only strong but compelling.