Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer talks about the development of Isaiah Evans, Miami, and Jai Lucas.
Duke Basketball Coach Jon Scheyer Talks About the Development of Isaiah Evans, Miami, and Jai Lucas
Duke University, long considered one of the top basketball programs in the nation, has continued to grow under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer. Taking over the reins from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, Scheyer has worked diligently to continue the Blue Devils’ tradition of excellence while also injecting his own philosophies into the program. One area that has been a focal point during his tenure is player development, and this has been especially evident with the progress of standout players like Isaiah Evans.
Isaiah Evans, one of the most highly touted recruits in Duke’s 2023 class, has quickly made a name for himself within the program, with his physical tools and skills drawing attention both from coaches and basketball analysts. Additionally, the importance of key assistant coaches like Jai Lucas, who has played a crucial role in recruiting and player development, cannot be overlooked in this discussion.
In a recent interview, Jon Scheyer discussed the development of Isaiah Evans, what he sees in the Blue Devils’ matchup against Miami, and the ongoing work with assistant coach Jai Lucas to improve the team’s performance. With the 2024 season already underway, these are some of the key topics that Scheyer has focused on as he looks to guide his team back to national prominence.
The Development of Isaiah Evans
Isaiah Evans came to Duke with high expectations. A 5-star recruit and consensus top 10 player nationally, Evans has long been considered one of the future stars of college basketball. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and high basketball IQ, Evans was expected to be an immediate contributor for the Blue Devils. Under Scheyer’s leadership, Evans has continued to develop, showing progress both offensively and defensively.
Coach Scheyer has made player development a top priority since taking over at Duke. During his tenure as an assistant coach under Coach K, Scheyer was heavily involved in working with Duke’s talented guards and wings, and that same approach has carried over to his head coaching role. He has placed a significant emphasis on improving Evans’ skills and ensuring that the talented freshman reaches his full potential.
“He’s come a long way in a short time,” Scheyer said about Evans. “Isaiah is an incredibly talented player. He’s got all the tools to be great. We’ve worked really hard with him on his jump shot, especially the consistency. He’s so gifted athletically, and now it’s about developing his skill set to match his athleticism.”
Evans, who stands at 6’7” and possesses an explosive first step, has a naturally fluid game. His transition from high school to college basketball has been smooth in many ways, but the adjustments to the speed and physicality of the collegiate level are something that Scheyer has worked to address. Defensively, Evans has shown flashes of brilliance, often locking down opposing players with his quickness and length. Offensively, Evans’ raw ability to finish at the rim and create mismatches on the perimeter has caught the attention of his coaches and teammates alike.
“Isaiah has really embraced the challenges that come with being at Duke,” Scheyer continued. “He’s got a great attitude, he’s coachable, and he’s been focused on improving every day. The sky’s the limit for him if he keeps putting in the work.”
In his freshman season, Evans has made significant strides in terms of shot selection and decision-making. One of the major areas of focus has been improving his perimeter shooting and making himself more consistent from the outside. This is something that Scheyer has worked with him on since day one. While Evans already has the tools to be a dynamic scorer inside, his ability to stretch the floor with a reliable jump shot will be critical to his future success.
“He’s a versatile player who can affect the game in so many ways,” Scheyer said. “We’ve been working with him to improve his jumper, particularly from three, so that he can be a threat all over the floor. When he becomes consistent in that area, it will unlock a whole new dimension to his game.”
Evans’ development will be crucial not only for Duke’s success this season but also for the future of the program. With his combination of size, athleticism, and growing basketball IQ, he has the potential to be one of the most dynamic players in college basketball in the coming years.
Miami and the Duke-Miami Rivalry
One of the most talked-about matchups in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in recent years has been between Duke and Miami. Both programs have consistently been among the best in the conference, with each team having its own strengths and styles of play. Miami, under head coach Jim Larrañaga, has become one of the premier programs in the ACC, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and consistently competing for conference titles.
For Duke, the rivalry with Miami has become a high-stakes matchup every season, and this year is no exception. Coach Scheyer has been particularly focused on preparing his team for the challenges posed by Miami’s high-powered offense and defensive schemes.
“Miami is a team that always plays with a lot of energy and toughness,” Scheyer explained. “They’ve got a lot of experience on their roster, and they’re really well-coached. They’ve got a lot of different weapons, and we need to make sure we’re prepared for their speed and transition play.”
The Hurricanes, led by star guards and a physical, defensive-minded style of play, have always been a challenge for Duke. However, Scheyer is confident that his players will be ready. He pointed to the Blue Devils’ growth and the adjustments made in practice to counter Miami’s strengths. In particular, Duke’s defense will need to step up, as Miami often uses their perimeter shooting to open up their offense and create spacing.
“We know Miami is going to be one of our toughest tests this season,” Scheyer noted. “They’re a team that can beat you in so many ways, and we’ve got to be locked in both offensively and defensively. It’s about taking away what they do well, while also executing our own game plan.”
For players like Evans, this type of matchup is an opportunity to showcase growth. Against a team as fast and skilled as Miami, Evans’ defensive prowess and athleticism will be important, as he can guard multiple positions and help disrupt the opponent’s offensive flow. If he continues to develop and refine his all-around game, games against high-caliber teams like Miami will become opportunities for Evans to make his mark.
The Role of Jai Lucas in Player Development
Behind every successful program is a talented coaching staff, and Duke’s assistant coach Jai Lucas plays a pivotal role in helping develop players like Evans. Lucas, who joined the Duke staff in recent years, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. His time as a former player in the NCAA and his subsequent coaching stops have equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to develop players at a high level.
“Jai has been incredible in terms of his approach to player development,” Scheyer said. “He’s so focused on the fundamentals, and he’s always looking for ways to help our guys improve. With someone like Isaiah, Jai has been invaluable in helping him refine his ball-handling and decision-making.”
Lucas’ approach to player development is grounded in a strong understanding of the game and an emphasis on skill refinement. With a background in coaching at programs like Kentucky and Texas, Lucas brings a fresh perspective to Duke’s staff. His work with Evans, particularly in the areas of ball-handling and decision-making, has helped the young player become more comfortable with the pace of college basketball.
“Jai has a great rapport with our players,” Scheyer added. “He’s a teacher at heart. He knows what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, and he’s been instrumental in making sure our guys are developing and growing in the right direction.”
Lucas’ experience working with top-tier recruits and his ability to connect with players has made him one of the most valuable members of Duke’s coaching staff. His work with players like Evans, who have the potential to play at the next level, has been critical in ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges of college basketball and beyond.
