Jon Scheyer says he ‘couldn’t stand’ how slow Duke played against Wake Forest in January
Jon Scheyer Says He ‘Couldn’t Stand’ How Slow Duke Played Against Wake Forest in January: A Closer Look at Duke’s Performance and Leadership
The Duke Blue Devils have been a staple of excellence in college basketball for decades, with their rich history, storied program, and a fan base that expects nothing less than the best. For much of the 2023-2024 season, the Blue Devils have remained in the conversation as one of the nation’s elite teams. Yet, despite the program’s immense talent and tradition of success, head coach Jon Scheyer has acknowledged that there have been moments when the team did not meet his expectations, particularly during a January matchup against Wake Forest.
During the 2023-2024 season, Duke was expected to be a top contender in the ACC and in the national tournament. However, their January matchup against Wake Forest presented one of those rare instances where the Blue Devils were not the well-oiled machine fans and analysts had come to expect. The loss to Wake Forest was not just a tough defeat on the scoreboard; it was a loss that highlighted some of the team’s glaring weaknesses, especially in terms of tempo and offensive execution.
Scheyer, now in his second year as head coach, was vocal about his frustrations following the game. In a candid moment, he expressed how he “couldn’t stand” the way his team played during that contest, particularly how slow they appeared to be, both offensively and defensively. His words were not just a reflection of the loss but also a call to action for his players to improve their game and show the intensity required to succeed at the highest levels.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the significance of Scheyer’s remarks, analyze the factors contributing to the Blue Devils’ sluggish performance against Wake Forest, and explore how this moment became a crucial turning point in their season. We will also consider how Duke’s culture and leadership under Scheyer evolved in the aftermath, leading to improvements that would ultimately bolster the Blue Devils’ ability to contend for championships.
The Wake Forest Loss: A Turning Point for Duke
To understand Jon Scheyer’s frustration with Duke’s performance against Wake Forest, it’s important to revisit the game itself. On January 10, 2024, Duke traveled to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum to face off against Wake Forest in an ACC matchup. The game ended in a 72-68 defeat for the Blue Devils, marking one of their more disappointing losses of the season.
From the opening tip-off, Duke struggled to find their rhythm. The game was characterized by sluggish offensive sets, an inability to push the pace in transition, and a lack of execution on both ends of the court. While Wake Forest was aggressive and took advantage of Duke’s defensive lapses, it was the Blue Devils’ inability to dictate the tempo of the game that stood out most to Scheyer and to anyone watching the game.
Duke’s offensive efficiency during this game was well below their usual standard. The Blue Devils, who are typically known for their fast-paced offense and ability to stretch the floor, appeared to be bogged down by indecision and a lack of urgency. The team failed to capitalize on fast-break opportunities, and their ball movement was often too slow, allowing Wake Forest’s defense to settle in. As a result, Duke was unable to break free and create the kind of open looks they usually rely on to build momentum.
Additionally, Duke’s defense, which has been one of their strengths under Scheyer, was inconsistent throughout the game. The Blue Devils struggled to contain Wake Forest’s shooters, particularly from beyond the arc, and allowed the Demon Deacons to control the pace of the game, despite the fact that Duke had the talent to impose their will.
While this loss certainly contributed to Scheyer’s frustration, it was more than just the loss itself that bothered him. It was the fact that his team, despite their talent, was not playing with the sense of urgency and aggressiveness that had defined their earlier successes. As a result, Scheyer made it clear that this was an area of his team’s performance that needed immediate improvement.
Scheyer’s Leadership and Accountability
Jon Scheyer’s comments after the Wake Forest game were indicative of the type of leadership he is trying to foster within the Duke basketball program. Unlike some coaches who may be content to accept a loss and move on, Scheyer has always been one to hold his team accountable when they fall short of expectations.
In his post-game comments, Scheyer said, “I couldn’t stand how slow we played. That’s not the type of basketball we need to be playing. We have a team full of guys who can run and push the ball up the floor, and we just didn’t do it. We were stagnant on offense, and defensively we were a step slow. We need to get back to our identity — aggressive, fast, and relentless.”
This statement was not just a reflection of his disappointment but also a clear directive to his players: Duke’s brand of basketball needed to be reinvigorated, and the urgency to play fast and aggressively had to return.
The way Scheyer responded to this loss exemplifies his growth as a head coach. As a former player under legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer inherited a team that was used to high standards and expectations. His leadership was expected to uphold the legacy of Krzyzewski’s program, and Scheyer has proven that he is willing to make tough decisions and demand the best from his players. By publicly stating his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, he sent a clear message that the program’s values of playing fast, aggressive basketball would not be compromised.
Duke’s Struggles in Transition and Tempo Control
At the heart of Scheyer’s criticism was the team’s failure to push the tempo and control the transition game. Throughout the season, Duke had been known for its ability to get out in transition and score quickly, capitalizing on their athleticism and speed. However, in the Wake Forest loss, those fast-break opportunities were nearly nonexistent. The team appeared hesitant to run, often slowing down the game and allowing Wake Forest to set up its defense.
One of the key reasons for Duke’s struggles in this area was the lack of decisiveness and urgency in their ball movement. When Duke had opportunities to push the ball up the floor, there was a noticeable hesitation, and the offensive sets became bogged down as a result. Players were too often caught in situations where they weren’t sure whether to push the ball or run a half-court offense. This indecision slowed the tempo, allowing Wake Forest to take control.
Scheyer recognized this and emphasized the need for faster decision-making in future games. His goal was not only to ensure that his team played with more tempo but also that they played with more confidence and aggression. When Duke plays fast and executes well in transition, they become a much more dangerous team, and Scheyer’s message to his players was that this style of play was non-negotiable.
The Response: Improvement in Duke’s Play Following the Loss
Following the Wake Forest loss, Jon Scheyer and his team made it a point to address the issues that led to the sluggish performance. Over the next few weeks, Duke appeared to regain its pace and intensity. The Blue Devils found their rhythm again, executing faster transitions, moving the ball more efficiently, and playing with the defensive intensity that had become a trademark of the program.
Duke went on to win key matchups against North Carolina, Syracuse, and Miami, showcasing a return to form in their offensive tempo and defensive execution. While there were still some bumps along the way, it was clear that the Wake Forest loss had acted as a catalyst for improvement. The Blue Devils were no longer the slow, stagnant team that had faltered in January — they were once again a team defined by speed, athleticism, and aggressiveness.
This bounce-back performance can be credited not just to the individual talent of the players but also to Scheyer’s leadership in holding his team accountable and challenging them to rise above their mistakes.
Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture for Duke Basketball
As the Blue Devils head into the remainder of the season, Scheyer’s leadership and the lessons learned from the Wake Forest loss will be critical for Duke’s success. The ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament are right around the corner, and Duke will need to play at their best if they want to make a deep run.
Scheyer’s comments about the Wake Forest game serve as a reminder that, even in the midst of a successful season, there are always areas for growth and improvement. His ability to identify weaknesses, hold his players accountable, and inspire a sense of urgency is what sets him apart as a head coach.
As Duke looks to continue its ascent through the rest of the season, fans can expect the Blue Devils to maintain their identity as a team that plays fast, with intensity and aggression — traits that will be essential as they chase another national title. And as for Jon Scheyer, his leadership is now undeniably taking shape, showing that he is more than ready to steer the Blue Devils into the future.
