JUST NOW: Head Coach Jon Scheyer and Captain Jeremy Roach Donate $75.9 Million for Reconstruction and Renewal at Duke

Durham, NC — April 25, 2025

In a stunning and unprecedented show of loyalty, gratitude, and vision, Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and senior captain Jeremy Roach have jointly announced a $75.9 million donation—a landmark gift aimed at reconstructing and revitalizing key athletic and community facilities at Duke University and in the surrounding Durham area.

The gift, revealed in a joint press conference held this morning at Cameron Indoor Stadium, marks the largest ever financial contribution by an active head coach and player duo in NCAA history—and signals a bold new chapter for one of the most iconic programs in college basketball.

“This is about more than basketball,” Scheyer said, standing at center court beside Roach. “It’s about impact. It’s about leaving something better than we found it.”

For a program steeped in tradition, the donation represents a powerful fusion of past, present, and future.

The $75.9 million will be allocated in several transformative ways:

• $45 million toward the reconstruction of Cameron Indoor Stadium’s practice facilities, including a complete overhaul of locker rooms, strength and conditioning spaces, and technology systems.
• $20 million designated for the creation of a Community Leadership and Wellness Center in East Durham, offering education, health resources, and mentorship programs to underserved youth.
• $10.9 million set aside for scholarships, academic research grants, and mental health initiatives for student-athletes.

Athletic Director Nina King, visibly emotional during the announcement, called the gift “a defining moment in the history of Duke Athletics.”

“What Jon and Jeremy have done today transcends any stat sheet or trophy,” King said. “They are building something far greater than a championship banner—they’re building futures.”

The number wasn’t arbitrary.

Jon Scheyer wore No. 30 as a player at Duke. Jeremy Roach wears No. 3. The total of 33 symbolizes their combined commitment—but the 75.9 figure reflects something deeper: the 759 student-athletes currently enrolled across Duke’s 27 varsity teams.

“This gift represents each of them,” Roach said. “All 759. Because we know how hard they work. We know what they sacrifice.”

Roach, a fifth-year senior and one of the most beloved players in program history, called the donation “the proudest thing I’ve ever done.”

Since taking over as Duke’s head coach in 2022, Jon Scheyer has quietly become one of the most respected young coaches in America. But few anticipated a philanthropic gesture of this scale—particularly from someone just three years into his head coaching career.

Scheyer, 37, reportedly structured his portion of the donation using a combination of personal funds, endorsements, and equity from long-term investment vehicles he secured during his time as an assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski.

“This place made me who I am,” Scheyer said. “Coach K taught me to chase impact, not attention. That’s what today is about.”

In 2023, Scheyer signed a contract extension through 2031. Sources close to the program say the university gave him the freedom to build a “legacy fund” through private partnerships and revenue shares—many of which have matured, allowing him to contribute this astonishing amount.

For Jeremy Roach, the gift is the culmination of five unforgettable years in Durham.

From his gritty freshman season alongside Jalen Johnson and DJ Steward, to leading the Blue Devils to multiple ACC titles and a Final Four berth, Roach has cemented his place as one of the program’s all-time captains.

But while his on-court heroics have drawn praise, today’s gesture speaks to something more enduring: leadership off the court.

“I came here a kid,” Roach said. “I leave a man. And I want the next generation of Duke players—and Durham kids—to have everything they need to grow, dream, and win.”

Roach, expected to be drafted into the NBA this summer, has already pledged that a portion of his future earnings will be funneled into expanding the community center’s youth basketball programming.

1. Cameron Indoor Practice Facility Renovation

• New locker rooms with integrated recovery systems
• 3D motion capture shooting bays
• Expanded weight and conditioning rooms
• Players’ lounge with academic support hubs
• State-of-the-art gym and classrooms
• Mental health counseling and telehealth suites
• Job readiness and mentorship programs for teens
• Free tutoring and STEM labs for K-12 students

3. Scholarships and Wellness Endowment

• Academic scholarships for underrepresented student-athletes
• Funding for athletic research in sports science and injury prevention
• On-campus counselors and wellness coordinators

Construction for the practice facility will begin in August 2025, while the Durham community center aims to break ground by early 2026.

The basketball world wasted no time in reacting.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski released a statement:

“What Jon and Jeremy have done is breathtaking. It’s a proud day for our Duke family. This is leadership at the highest level.”

Jay Bilas, former Blue Devil and ESPN analyst, tweeted:

“This isn’t just about Duke—it’s about redefining what athletes and coaches can do with their platforms. Scheyer and Roach are first-class.”

JJ Redick, another Duke great, added:

“Culture. Character. Commitment. That’s what this donation says. Incredible.”

With college athletics facing massive changes—NIL deals, transfer portals, and pending pay-for-play legislation—many programs are in flux.

Scheyer said the donation is also about stability and vision.

“We wanted to give this program the infrastructure to evolve, not just survive. Duke should lead, not follow.”

He also emphasized the desire to deepen ties with the Durham community.

“We recruit talent from all over the world, but we’re part of this city. We want Durham to rise with us.”

As Duke eyes another deep NCAA tournament run next season—with a top-five recruiting class incoming—today’s announcement adds another layer of energy around the program.

Incoming freshman Khaman Maluach, currently finishing school in South Sudan, said via video message:

“To know I’m joining a program where the coach and players give back like this—it’s inspiring. I want to be a part of that.”

Meanwhile, Roach’s jersey is expected to be honored next season, and the new community center will be named the Roach-Scheyer Wellness Hub.

In an age where headlines often focus on scandal, transfer drama, and financial disputes, this story cuts through.

It’s about two people—one at the height of his college playing days, the other leading a blueblood program—deciding to use their resources, platforms, and hearts for something bigger than themselves.

Not for attention. Not for accolades.

But for the love of the game—and the people it touches.

$75.9 million.

A number that will echo in Durham for decades to come.