SAN ANTONIO — As Jon Scheyer walked towards the heart of the Alamodome, the camera captured each step across a sea of black carpet. It was the journey leading him to the revered stage of college basketball, the Final Four.
“It’s the best,” remarked the Duke coach, looking back and gesturing with his manila folder containing practice plans towards the revered court.
Scheyer is no stranger to this moment. As Duke’s senior scoring leader in 2010, he embarked on a similar path to victory. He later served as an assistant coach under Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, experiencing this journey twice more. However, this week heralds a new chapter as he steps into the spotlight as the head coach, following in the formidable footsteps of a legend, defying the adage of never succeeding an icon. Duke continues to thrive under Scheyer’s guidance.
Returning to the Final Four feels almost routine for Duke (35-3), a feat it’s accomplished 18 times, placing it among college basketball’s elite. Duke ranks alongside UCLA, Kentucky, UConn, Indiana, and fierce rival North Carolina with over five NCAA championships. However, much has transformed since Duke last clinched a national title in 2015 or appeared in the Final Four three years ago. Krzyzewski has retired after setting a men’s college basketball record with 1,202 wins, five titles, and 13 Final Four appearances by 2022.
Scheyer has hit the ground running, achieving remarkable success quickly. He became the first head coach to clinch two Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament titles within his initial three seasons and led Duke to last year’s NCAA Elite Eight. Now, the Blue Devils are back in the national semifinals, facing Houston in an all-chalk finale with four 1-seeds on Saturday.
“Jon Scheyer has done a remarkable job,” said Houston coach Kelvin Sampson. “The narrative of him replacing Coach K has faded. Now it’s about Jon Scheyer, the coach who’s led his team to the Final Four.”
Scheyer’s assistant tenure during the last two Final Four appearances includes the ’15 title and the 2022 New Orleans trip as the coach-in-waiting. That journey ended with a semifinal loss to North Carolina, marked the end of Krzyzewski’s era, and heralded Scheyer’s leadership at Duke.
“He’s managed the transition beautifully,” athletic director Nina King observed, standing on the confetti-covered court post-ACC title victory. Associate head coach Chris Carrawell, having worked alongside Scheyer for years, vouched for his abilities. Their friendship reaffirmed during long walks during the pandemic. “Some guys just have it,” Carrawell said after the ACC win.
Krzyzewski praised Scheyer’s independence and authenticity on his SiriusXM show. “He’s not trying to emulate anyone; he’s building on the Duke legacy,” he noted.
Recruitment has remained consistently strong under Scheyer. The clarity his succession plan provided was valuable, attracting top-tier talent as he transitioned from assistant to head coach. The last three Duke classes rank among the nation’s best, securing talents like unanimous first-team All-American Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach. Scheyer’s leadership has already attracted next year’s top-ranked freshman class, including twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
Cooper Flagg’s mother, Kelly, initially questioned Scheyer’s demand for excellence but was soon convinced. She recounted a January game timeout where Scheyer delivered stern but effective feedback to her son, emphasizing its positive impact.
Scheyer’s straightforwardness has resonated with recruit transfers, exemplified by the recruiting of fifth-year graduate transfer Sion James, who appreciated Scheyer’s authentic approach.
Duke maintains its rich traditions, like the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium and the lively “Cameron Crazies.” Scheyer is also making his mark with initiatives like the “Kid Captain” program, highlighting the spirit of Duke Children’s Hospital patients.
For Scheyer, this journey is personal. Duke and the Final Four hold a special place in his heart. Reflecting on the experience, Scheyer shared, “Being at practice today, it took me back to when I was 22, relishing the Final Four spirit—a once-in-a-lifetime memory.”