Duke’s Jon Scheyer was snubbed for a major ACC honor, according to an analyst, despite leading the Blue Devils.

In the world of college basketball, the annual awarding of accolades for conference performances is one of the most anticipated events of the season. For coaches, these honors not only reflect their team’s success but also their own effectiveness in developing and leading a group of young athletes. Therefore, when Jon Scheyer, head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, was passed over for a major ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) honor, it raised eyebrows across the college basketball community. Despite leading Duke to an impressive season and continuing the Blue Devils’ tradition of excellence, Scheyer’s omission from the list of ACC Coach of the Year nominees has sparked debate among analysts, fans, and former players alike.

This snub has been the subject of much discussion, particularly with the success Duke has experienced in the 2024-25 season. The Blue Devils have remained competitive in the ACC under Scheyer’s guidance, securing a place in the national conversation. Yet, it appears that other coaches within the conference have garnered more attention from the selection committee. To explore this issue, we will examine the reasons behind Scheyer’s perceived snub, evaluate the achievements of other coaches, and analyze what this means for both Scheyer and Duke’s basketball program.

The 2024-25 ACC Season: Context for the Debate

The 2024-25 ACC season was filled with exciting matchups, surprises, and standout performances. As with every year, the conference saw a number of coaches vying for the coveted Coach of the Year award, and with teams like Virginia, Miami, North Carolina, and Florida State fielding impressive squads, there was no shortage of worthy candidates. Despite these challenges, Jon Scheyer entered the season with high expectations after taking over the reins from Mike Krzyzewski.

Coach Krzyzewski, one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, retired after the 2021-22 season, leaving behind a legacy that seemed impossible to follow. Scheyer, a former Duke player and Krzyzewski disciple, was tasked with maintaining the program’s standard of excellence while forging his own identity as a coach. His first two years were characterized by significant success, but the 2024-25 season presented an even bigger challenge as he faced both external pressure to live up to Krzyzewski’s shadow and internal pressure to prove that Duke could continue its legacy of success.

Under Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils have had a solid 2024-25 campaign, featuring a talented roster filled with top-tier recruits and experienced players. The team has achieved crucial victories and placed itself in a strong position within the ACC standings. Yet, despite Duke’s continued success, Scheyer did not receive the same level of recognition as some of the other coaches in the conference.

Duke’s Success Under Jon Scheyer

Duke’s season under Scheyer has been impressive in several key areas, especially given the pressures of following in the footsteps of a legendary coach like Coach K. Scheyer’s ability to adapt and refine his approach has allowed the Blue Devils to remain competitive at the highest levels of college basketball. Some key elements of Duke’s success this season include:

1. Recruitment and Player Development: Scheyer has maintained Duke’s reputation as a top destination for elite recruits. The Blue Devils landed standout freshmen like Cooper Flagg, who made an immediate impact in his first season, and other talented players who have contributed to the team’s success. Scheyer has proven adept at managing this influx of talent, developing players into well-rounded contributors, and fostering a culture of competitiveness and professionalism within the program.
2. Team Chemistry: One of Scheyer’s biggest accomplishments has been his ability to forge team chemistry from a roster filled with new faces. Unlike previous seasons, where the Blue Devils leaned heavily on individual stars, this year’s team has played with a sense of unity and cohesion. Scheyer’s ability to integrate new players into the lineup and create a collaborative environment is a testament to his coaching prowess.
3. Tactical Adjustments: Scheyer has also been praised for his tactical adjustments throughout the season. Duke’s offense has evolved to become more balanced, and the team’s defense has been one of the best in the conference. Scheyer’s in-game adjustments, particularly in critical matchups, have helped Duke secure vital wins and maintain its place near the top of the ACC standings.
4. Resilience: Duke has faced its share of challenges this season, including injuries, tough losses, and the inherent pressure of being one of the most storied programs in college basketball. However, under Scheyer’s guidance, the Blue Devils have shown resilience. They’ve managed to stay competitive in the ACC and have positioned themselves as one of the top teams heading into the postseason.

Despite all of this, Scheyer’s achievements were overshadowed by the success of other coaches in the ACC, which raises the question of why Scheyer wasn’t given the recognition many believed he deserved.

The Case for Other ACC Coaches

While Jon Scheyer’s omission from the ACC Coach of the Year conversation has generated significant discussion, other coaches in the conference also had impressive seasons, leading to their own claims for the honor. Here are some of the standout coaches in the ACC who were more heavily recognized:

1. Tony Bennett (Virginia Cavaliers): Tony Bennett, the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, has long been one of the most respected figures in college basketball. Known for his “Pack Line” defense and a deliberate, methodical style of play, Bennett’s ability to build a consistent contender in a competitive conference like the ACC is remarkable. This season, Virginia has maintained its place near the top of the standings, thanks to Bennett’s ability to maximize his roster’s potential and maintain a high level of defensive discipline. His reputation as one of the best defensive coaches in the country played a major role in Virginia’s success and solidified his candidacy for ACC Coach of the Year.
2. Jim Larrañaga (Miami Hurricanes): Jim Larrañaga, head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, has quietly built one of the most dangerous programs in the ACC. Under Larrañaga’s leadership, Miami has been a consistently competitive team, and this year has been no exception. With a balanced roster that features a mix of experience and youth, Larrañaga has once again proven his ability to get the most out of his players. Miami’s strong regular-season finish has made Larrañaga one of the top candidates for Coach of the Year, particularly given how well the Hurricanes have performed in a tough conference.
3. Hubert Davis (North Carolina Tar Heels): After a disappointing finish in the previous season, Hubert Davis has guided the North Carolina Tar Heels back into contention in the ACC. Davis has successfully integrated a mix of returning talent and new players, giving North Carolina a well-rounded team that can compete with the best. His ability to improve the team after last season’s struggles has been lauded by analysts and fans alike, making him a strong candidate for the award.

These coaches have all had successful seasons, which makes the decision to leave Scheyer out of the conversation all the more puzzling. It’s worth noting that these programs also have a rich basketball history, which may have contributed to their higher profile in the selection process.

The Debate: Is Scheyer’s Snub a Sign of Bias?

The debate surrounding Jon Scheyer’s snub for the ACC Coach of the Year honor has raised some important questions about biases in the selection process. Scheyer, a young coach who took over a program with immense expectations, may have been held to a higher standard than some of his peers. The immense shadow of Coach K looms large at Duke, and many would argue that Scheyer was unfairly judged against that standard rather than his actual coaching merits.

There’s also the issue of reputation. Coaches like Tony Bennett and Jim Larrañaga have long-established records of success and have earned a reputation for being among the best in the business. Scheyer, while highly respected, is still in the process of building his own legacy. It’s possible that the selection committee favored these coaches with more extensive experience, even though Scheyer’s achievements this season were worthy of recognition.

Additionally, Duke’s high-profile status within the basketball world may have worked against Scheyer. As the head coach of one of the most storied programs in college basketball, Scheyer is expected to win. His team’s success might be taken for granted, with less attention paid to the day-to-day work and adjustments required to guide a team at such a high level. Coaches at other programs may not face the same level of expectation and, as a result, may have been more likely to garner the committee’s attention.

What’s Next for Jon Scheyer and Duke?

Despite the snub, Jon Scheyer’s future at Duke remains bright. The Blue Devils have shown tremendous promise under his leadership, and as his tenure progresses, his influence on the program will continue to grow. Scheyer has proven himself as an exceptional coach, capable of leading one of the most successful basketball programs in history. While missing out on an award like ACC Coach of the Year may sting, it is by no means an indicator of his coaching ability.

For Duke, the 2024-25 season has set the stage for further growth. With players like Cooper Flagg and a highly touted recruiting class, the program is poised to remain at the top of the college basketball world for years to come. If Scheyer continues to develop his coaching identity and builds on the foundation he has established, there’s little doubt that accolades will follow.