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

The landscape of college basketball is often dominated by the headlines of legendary coaches, but every season, a new crop of talented and ambitious leaders rises to the challenge. In the 2024-2025 season, one of the most intriguing and impressive stories in college basketball is that of Jon Scheyer, head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young minds in the sport. While many initially speculated that the transition from the “Coach K” era would be a difficult one, Scheyer has silenced doubters by leading Duke to remarkable success. Now, as the season progresses, there’s a strong case to be made for Scheyer as the Coach of the Year in college basketball.

A Smooth Transition from “Coach K”

When Mike Krzyzewski announced his retirement after over 40 years at the helm of Duke basketball, the task of replacing a coaching legend seemed almost insurmountable. Coach K had built Duke into a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, winning five national championships and developing countless NBA talents. The expectations surrounding his successor were, understandably, enormous. Jon Scheyer, a former player for Krzyzewski who had worked as an assistant coach under him, was appointed to carry the torch forward.

There is an inherent pressure that comes with succeeding such an iconic figure. Many questioned if Scheyer, despite his pedigree and experience, could maintain the level of success that Duke had become accustomed to. Would he be able to recruit at the same elite level? Could he adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics of college basketball while remaining true to the program’s core principles? These questions lingered in the background as Scheyer took on the immense responsibility of leading one of the most storied programs in the country.

But as the 2024-2025 season unfolds, it’s become clear that Scheyer has not only managed the transition smoothly but has taken the program to new heights. Under his leadership, Duke has maintained its position among the elite teams in college basketball. Scheyer’s ability to recruit high-caliber players, develop young talent, and lead a team to success while dealing with the weight of Coach K’s legacy is no small feat.

The Blue Devils’ Success Under Scheyer

As of the 2024-2025 season, Duke has continued to dominate the ACC and remains one of the top teams in the nation. Scheyer’s success can be seen in the way his team has performed on the court, particularly in high-stakes games against tough opponents. The Blue Devils have been competitive against both ranked teams and traditional rivals, showcasing their ability to play at the highest level, no matter the circumstances.

Scheyer has effectively implemented his own style of play while preserving the core principles of the Duke program. He has instilled an up-tempo, aggressive defense that mirrors the energy and intensity of his predecessor’s teams. This defense-first approach has been a hallmark of Duke’s success this season. The Blue Devils have been formidable on the defensive end, using their athleticism and depth to stifle opposing offenses. This style of play has given the Blue Devils a distinct edge over their competition, especially when combined with Scheyer’s offensive ingenuity.

Offensively, Scheyer has demonstrated an ability to adapt to the modern game. While Duke has always been known for its strong frontcourt play, Scheyer has embraced the perimeter shooting and spacing that are essential in today’s college basketball. He’s empowered his guards to take on more of the offensive load, encouraging them to create their own shots and space the floor in ways that align with the current trends of the sport. His offensive schemes have allowed Duke to maximize the strengths of his roster, leading to consistent scoring outputs against some of the toughest defenses in the country.

Moreover, Scheyer has excelled in managing his roster. While he inherited a team full of talent, his ability to blend veteran players with highly touted freshmen has been nothing short of impressive. Duke has had one of the best recruiting classes in the country under Scheyer’s leadership, with future NBA stars making their way to Durham year after year. However, Scheyer has demonstrated a remarkable ability to integrate these young talents into the lineup without disrupting the team’s overall chemistry. His ability to develop players, particularly freshmen, and get them to contribute right away is a testament to his coaching acumen.

The Impact of Player Development

One of the most critical aspects of Scheyer’s success has been his player development. While Duke has always been known for attracting elite high school talent, Scheyer has proven that he can not only recruit the best players but also develop them into future NBA stars. Under his guidance, several players have taken their games to the next level.

Take, for instance, the case of Kyle Filipowski, a standout forward who has flourished under Scheyer’s coaching. Filipowski has developed into one of the best players in college basketball, displaying a versatile game that blends scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. His growth as a player has been a direct result of Scheyer’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes fundamentals and basketball IQ. Under Scheyer, Filipowski has refined his game, improving his shot selection, decision-making, and leadership on the floor.

Additionally, Scheyer has helped develop the young guard corps, including prospects like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, who have made significant strides in their games. Proctor, a dynamic playmaker with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, has turned into one of the best guards in the country. His ability to play both on and off the ball, as well as his improvement as a perimeter shooter, speaks to the development system that Scheyer has put in place. The evolution of these players under Scheyer’s watch is a clear indicator of his effectiveness as a coach.

Scheyer’s focus on player development extends beyond just skill improvement. He has worked tirelessly to build a strong team culture, ensuring that his players are not only talented but also mentally prepared for the rigors of college basketball. The sense of unity and accountability within the team is a direct reflection of Scheyer’s leadership and his emphasis on creating a positive and focused environment for his players.

High-Profile Wins and Achievements

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Scheyer for Coach of the Year honors is his team’s success in high-profile games. College basketball is defined by marquee matchups and thrilling upsets, and Scheyer has delivered in these moments.

Duke’s victory over highly ranked opponents such as North Carolina, Kansas, and Michigan State have been a testament to Scheyer’s ability to manage the pressure of big games. In each of these contests, Duke has shown resilience, executing under pressure and proving they belong among the nation’s elite. These victories not only highlight Duke’s talent but also Scheyer’s ability to prepare his team for the biggest challenges.

One standout moment was Duke’s victory over a highly-ranked Kansas team in the regular season. In what was billed as one of the most anticipated games of the year, Scheyer’s Blue Devils came out on top in a gritty, back-and-forth affair. The win served as a statement that Duke, under Scheyer, was still a force to be reckoned with, even in the post-Coach K era.

Scheyer’s ability to motivate and inspire his team in these high-pressure situations is another reason why he deserves Coach of the Year consideration. The intensity of college basketball’s biggest games often reveals the true mettle of a coach, and Scheyer has passed every test with flying colors.

Overcoming Adversity and Building a Sustainable Program

Beyond just the wins and losses, Scheyer’s ability to handle adversity has been a defining trait of his coaching tenure. College basketball is an unpredictable game, and no season is free from challenges. Whether it’s dealing with injuries, the pressures of high expectations, or the ever-present challenge of recruiting top talent year after year, Scheyer has faced every obstacle with poise.

The departure of some key players due to injuries at various points of the season could have derailed Duke’s momentum, but Scheyer kept his team focused and able to play at a high level despite these setbacks. His adaptability and resilience as a coach have allowed Duke to continue thriving, even when things haven’t gone according to plan.

Moreover, Scheyer’s ability to build a sustainable program that is not reliant on one or two players is another reason he is making a compelling case for Coach of the Year. With his consistent success in recruiting, combined with his player development skills, Scheyer has built a program that will be competitive for years to come.

The Case for Jon Scheyer as Coach of the Year

When it comes to Coach of the Year honors, there are many factors to consider: overall record, team success, player development, high-profile wins, and handling adversity. Jon Scheyer ticks every box. Under his leadership, Duke has remained a top contender in college basketball, maintaining its status as a powerhouse while also charting a new course in the post-Krzyzewski era.

His ability to maintain the Blue Devils’ success, develop top-tier talent, and win critical games in the face of pressure all point to Scheyer being one of the best coaches in the country. The fact that he has done all of this in his first few years as a head coach only makes his achievements more impressive.

For these reasons, there is a strong case to be made for Jon Scheyer as the Coach of the Year. As Duke continues to climb toward a potential national championship run, Scheyer’s coaching prowess will only become more apparent, solidifying his place as one of the most promising young coaches in the sport today. The Blue Devils have not skipped a beat under his leadership, and for that, Scheyer deserves to be recognized as one of the top coaches in college basketball.