The tireless general of the Duke basketball floor acknowledges that there is “a lot to clean up.”
In the high-stakes world of college basketball, the expectations are always immense, and no program understands this better than the Duke Blue Devils. Known for their storied history, championship aspirations, and high-profile recruits, Duke’s basketball team faces pressure on all fronts. The current season has been a mixture of promise and frustration, as the Blue Devils have shown flashes of brilliance but have also struggled at times. Acknowledging these challenges, the team’s tireless leader, Jon Scheyer, the head coach who inherited the mantle from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, recently opened up about the areas where Duke needs to improve. His candid remarks about the team’s performance reflect a commitment to excellence and a desire to bring out the best in his players.
Scheyer, who has been at the helm of Duke since the retirement of Krzyzewski, has shown flashes of brilliance as a coach but also acknowledges that his young team still has a long way to go. The Blue Devils have certainly had their ups and downs, and Scheyer’s willingness to identify the areas where improvement is needed shows his understanding of the bigger picture. As much as Duke has been competitive and has had dominant performances, Scheyer recognizes that the path to achieving the ultimate goal – an NCAA title – requires constant refinement and growth.
This article will delve into what Scheyer meant when he referred to the need to “clean up” certain aspects of the team’s performance, explore how Duke’s journey has unfolded this season, and analyze the specific areas where the team must improve to reach its championship potential.
The Roller Coaster Season So Far
As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, Duke has experienced a mix of dominant victories and frustrating losses. There have been games where they’ve shown why they are one of the most talented teams in the nation, showcasing elite-level skills, chemistry, and resilience. However, these highs have often been followed by moments of inconsistency and lapses in focus, which have led to losses that have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
Duke’s young roster has had a significant impact on these inconsistencies. With talented freshmen like Jaden Schutt, Tyrese Proctor, and Kyle Filipowski, the team has the potential to be one of the most dangerous units in college basketball. Yet, their inexperience at times has led to mistakes, missed opportunities, and struggles against high-level competition. While these young players have immense upside, they also have much to learn about handling the pressure of big games, sustaining focus throughout an entire contest, and executing in key moments.
Despite these ups and downs, Duke is still in a solid position within the ACC and in the national landscape. However, to compete for an NCAA title, they need to eliminate the errors that have caused these inconsistencies. That’s where Jon Scheyer’s comments come into play – he is aware that his team’s growth is a work in progress, and the process of cleaning up mistakes will be critical as the season progresses.
Scheyer’s Acknowledgment: What Does “A Lot to Clean Up” Really Mean?
When Scheyer states that there is “a lot to clean up,” he is not only addressing the obvious mistakes that have been seen in games but is also offering a broader reflection of the team’s overall performance. While Duke’s talent has been on display, there are several aspects of their play that are still under construction. The specifics of what needs improvement can be broken down into a few key areas: ball control, defensive consistency, team chemistry, and clutch execution.
- Ball Control and Turnovers
One of the most glaring issues for Duke has been their inability to protect the basketball at times. Turnovers have been an issue in multiple games this season, with players forcing passes or being careless with the ball, leading to easy transition points for the opposition. In a high-pressure environment like college basketball, especially in the competitive ACC, turnovers can be the difference between winning and losing.
Scheyer’s system, which focuses on fast-paced offense and efficient ball movement, demands a level of discipline and precision. The Blue Devils have shown glimpses of this but have not always been able to maintain that level of focus throughout the course of a game. Ball control is a key area for improvement, and the coaching staff will likely continue to emphasize smart decision-making, limiting bad passes, and taking care of the basketball.
- Defensive Consistency
Duke’s defense, as always, is one of the staples of the program. However, even with the talented defensive players on the roster, there have been moments where they have struggled to stay disciplined, especially in late-game situations. One of the most frustrating things for Duke fans has been the team’s inability to close out games defensively. Whether it’s allowing wide-open shots from the perimeter or failing to execute in crunch time, Duke has left themselves vulnerable at key moments in several contests.
One notable area of focus is Duke’s ability to guard the three-point line. Teams have been able to exploit this weakness at times, especially against faster, smaller teams that can create open looks from beyond the arc. For a team with championship aspirations, being able to close out on shooters, contest shots, and maintain a stout defense through all four quarters is crucial.
Scheyer, who has a strong defensive background as a former player and assistant coach, is undoubtedly aware of these lapses. His coaching staff will continue to emphasize communication on defense, staying disciplined in rotations, and getting better at contesting shots without fouling. As the season progresses, Duke will need to lock in defensively to become a complete team capable of making a deep March run.
- Team Chemistry and Offense Flow
While the Blue Devils have had standout individual performances from various players, their overall offensive chemistry has been inconsistent. At times, Duke has relied on one or two players to generate offense, while other players seem to fade into the background. This lack of offensive flow can make the Blue Devils predictable and easier to defend, especially against high-quality opponents.
Improving chemistry on offense is essential to building a more balanced attack. When all players are involved, moving the ball, and feeding off each other, Duke can be an overwhelming offensive juggernaut. The challenge for Scheyer and his staff will be to help his players understand how to share the ball, move without it, and create opportunities for teammates. This is especially important when the team faces a defense that is locking in on their stars.
The development of freshmen like Tyrese Proctor, who has shown flashes of greatness, will also be pivotal in helping to elevate the offense. Once Proctor and others gain more confidence and experience, the offensive flow will naturally improve, leading to more dynamic and unpredictable play. Scheyer will likely focus on creating plays that involve multiple players and maintain the team’s offensive balance.
- Clutch Execution
In the final minutes of a close game, execution becomes everything. Duke has faced situations where they have been unable to execute on offense or defense in critical moments, allowing games to slip away. Whether it’s poor shot selection, miscommunication, or failure to get a stop when it matters most, these moments have highlighted a need for improvement in Duke’s ability to close out games under pressure.
Scheyer has always emphasized the importance of staying focused and composed in high-pressure moments, but his young roster still has much to learn in terms of decision-making in crunch time. As the season progresses, it will be essential for Duke to develop the poise and confidence necessary to win tight games. This will come with experience and the development of mental toughness, which will be critical for their success come tournament time.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Duke?
The Duke Blue Devils, with all their potential and talent, remain in an excellent position to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. However, the road ahead requires a concentrated effort to clean up the areas Scheyer identified. With his leadership, the Blue Devils have the tools and resources to continue their development and iron out the kinks in their game.
To capitalize on their early success and ensure they are in peak form by March, Duke must maintain focus on ball control, improve their defensive consistency, develop better offensive chemistry, and execute with confidence in high-pressure situations. These are areas that will define their championship aspirations.
Ultimately, Jon Scheyer understands that while the foundation is solid, there is still work to be done. His candid admission that there is “a lot to clean up” demonstrates his awareness of the challenges that lie ahead. But for a program like Duke, the potential for growth is immense, and the coaching staff’s ability to refine this young, talented group could ultimately determine the Blue Devils’ fate in the NCAA Tournament.
As the season continues, the Blue Devils will focus on improving these key areas, preparing for the ultimate test in March. If they can clean up their game and become more consistent, there is no limit to what Duke could achieve in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
