Despite having a remarkable season, Jon Scheyer comes in second in the ACC Coach of the Year poll.

In college basketball, coaching accolades often shine a spotlight on the individuals who have led their teams to exceptional heights, and the ACC Coach of the Year award is one of the most coveted recognitions in the sport. For Jon Scheyer, the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to develop a young team, transform his roster, and lead Duke to a highly competitive standing in the ACC has earned him widespread praise and admiration from fans, players, and analysts alike. Yet, despite these remarkable achievements, Scheyer finished second in the ACC Coach of the Year poll, a result that has left many fans and experts scratching their heads.

The honor ultimately went to Virginia’s head coach Tony Bennett, whose program continued its dominance in the conference this year. While Bennett’s success is undeniable, the debate surrounding the poll results shines a light on the broader question of what it truly takes to earn the top coaching honor in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball.

This article will delve into Jon Scheyer’s remarkable season, his transformative impact on the Duke Blue Devils, and how his performance as a head coach stacks up against the efforts of other ACC coaches, particularly Tony Bennett. We’ll also explore the factors that led to Scheyer’s second-place finish and why, despite his outstanding achievements, he came up just short in the voting.

Jon Scheyer’s Remarkable Season at Duke

Jon Scheyer’s debut season as Duke’s head coach following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement was never going to be an easy one. Stepping into the shadow of Coach K, who led the program to five national titles, 15 ACC titles, and countless memories over a 41-year career, Scheyer faced the enormous task of continuing Duke’s legacy of success while bringing in a roster loaded with talented freshmen.

The team Scheyer inherited was full of potential, with future NBA prospects like Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, and Mark Mitchell. However, these players, while highly skilled, were also relatively inexperienced. It was Scheyer’s ability to gel these talented, but unseasoned, players into a cohesive unit that truly highlighted his coaching acumen.

Throughout the season, Duke steadily improved, culminating in a remarkable performance in the ACC Tournament and a strong position in the NCAA Tournament picture. Scheyer demonstrated his ability to adapt, tweak his strategies, and guide his team through a grueling conference schedule.

Here are some key aspects of his coaching performance that stood out:

1. Development of Freshman Talent: Scheyer’s ability to develop Duke’s freshman class has been one of his most notable achievements this season. Players like Filipowski, who became a standout forward, and Proctor, a guard who grew into a primary playmaker, blossomed under Scheyer’s tutelage. His emphasis on player development has not only shaped these players’ futures but also raised the team’s overall level of play.
2. Emphasis on Defense: Duke’s success this season was not only due to its offensive prowess but also its stingy defense. Scheyer emphasized a defensive-first mentality, turning the Blue Devils into one of the most challenging teams to score against in the country. Their defensive discipline was on full display in several key victories, including their win over Auburn earlier in the season. Scheyer’s defensive strategies allowed his young team to stay in games even when the offense was inconsistent.
3. Strategic Adjustments: As a first-year head coach, Scheyer had to adjust quickly to the realities of being in charge of a blue-chip program. His ability to manage in-game adjustments and make the right decisions at critical junctures helped Duke secure several tight wins over ranked opponents. His calm demeanor on the sideline and his strategic thinking were crucial in guiding the team through challenging stretches during the season.
4. Winning Big Games: Under Scheyer, Duke took down several top-tier programs, including key wins over North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia, solidifying their place as one of the elite teams in the country. Scheyer’s ability to win important games demonstrated that he could succeed at the highest level, despite being in his first year as head coach.

The Competition: Tony Bennett’s Consistency at Virginia

While Jon Scheyer’s season has been filled with breakthrough moments, it’s important to recognize the accomplishments of the man who edged him out for ACC Coach of the Year: Tony Bennett.

Bennett has built a program at Virginia that is known for its consistency, defense-first mentality, and emphasis on player development. This season was no different, as Bennett’s Cavaliers once again proved themselves as one of the top teams in the conference.

Virginia finished the regular season with an impressive record, bolstered by a methodical style of play that often frustrated opponents. Their defense, led by standout players like Reece Beekman and Jayden Gardner, was once again among the best in the country, and their offensive execution was precise and effective. While they didn’t have the same kind of flashy, high-profile players as Duke, Bennett’s program is built on a balanced, team-oriented approach that continues to yield results.

Here are some key points about Bennett’s season:

1. Consistency and Culture: Under Bennett, Virginia has become one of the most consistent teams in college basketball. They’re known for their disciplined approach to both ends of the floor. This season, like many before it, saw Virginia return to the top of the ACC standings, demonstrating the lasting success of Bennett’s methods.
2. Defensive Dominance: As always, Virginia’s defense was its calling card. Bennett’s Pack Line defense is one of the most effective in the nation, and his players are well-versed in executing it. Virginia’s ability to shut down high-scoring teams with their defense was a major factor in their successful season.
3. Winning Without Star Power: Unlike Duke, which featured a collection of future NBA talent, Virginia’s success often comes with less hype but more sustained, team-oriented play. Bennett’s ability to make his players perform to the best of their abilities, regardless of their individual star status, is a testament to his coaching expertise.
4. Accruing Wins in a Competitive ACC: Virginia’s regular-season performance, including their wins over top-ranked teams like Duke, kept them firmly in the mix for the ACC title and solidified Bennett’s candidacy for Coach of the Year. His ability to maintain a high level of success year in and year out has made Virginia one of the most consistent programs in the conference.

Why Did Jon Scheyer Finish Second?

Despite the remarkable strides made by Scheyer and his team, the ACC Coach of the Year poll ultimately favored Tony Bennett. While both coaches had impressive seasons, there are a few key factors that may have contributed to Bennett’s edge in the voting:

1. Proven Track Record: Bennett’s consistency in producing high-quality teams year after year played a significant role in his securing the top spot. His track record of success and his ability to sustain Virginia’s high level of play over a long period made him a more established figure in the eyes of many voters.
2. Virginia’s Balance: Unlike Duke, which leaned heavily on freshmen, Virginia’s success this season was rooted in its balance and veteran leadership. The Cavaliers had a more mature roster, and their style of play was viewed as more predictable and refined. This stability may have contributed to Bennett’s recognition over the newer, more volatile Duke team.
3. The Absence of Pressure on Virginia: While Duke was seen as the program in transition with the departure of Mike Krzyzewski, Virginia’s identity under Bennett was already well-established. Some voters may have placed a higher value on Bennett’s ability to maintain that stability while continuing to compete at a high level.