Jon Scheyer, in his third season as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, positioning himself as a leading candidate for Coach of the Year honors. Under his leadership, Duke boasts a 27-3 overall record and an impressive 18-1 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. Advanced analytics, such as Ken Pomeroy’s metrics, rank Duke as the nation’s No. 1 team, reflecting Scheyer’s effective coaching strategies.
Scheyer’s journey to this point is noteworthy. A former Duke All-American and two-time team captain, he succeeded the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2021. In his inaugural season, Scheyer led the Blue Devils to a 27-9 record, clinched the ACC Tournament title, and became the first coach in ACC history to post an undefeated home record in a debut season.
This season, Scheyer’s prowess as a recruiter has further bolstered the team’s success. He has secured commitments from top-tier talents like Cooper Flagg, solidifying Duke’s status as a powerhouse in college basketball. citeturn0search0
Moreover, Scheyer’s emphasis on defense has yielded impressive results. The Blue Devils lead the ACC in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 58.73 points per game, and rank second nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. This defensive dominance is reminiscent of Duke’s storied defensive legacy under Coach K.
In light of these achievements—securing a top national ranking, excelling in recruiting, and restoring Duke’s defensive reputation—Jon Scheyer has indeed made a compelling case for Coach of the Year honors.