Duke Basketball: Jon Scheyer’s Vision and the 2023 Season

Charlotte, N.C – The ACC Kickoff continued to buzz with excitement on its second day as Duke University’s head basketball coach, Jon Scheyer, brought his two valuable players, Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski, to the spotlight on October 25th. Scheyer, who took the reins of the program in June 2021, succeeding the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski, has embarked on an extraordinary journey in the world of college basketball. From being a former Duke All-American and two-time team captain, Scheyer, at just 35 years old, became one of the youngest head coaches in Division-I men’s basketball, and notably the youngest at a power conference institution. 

Scheyer’s coaching emphasis on defense and rebounding showed immediate results, with the team consistently ranking within the top 20 in rebounding statistics and top 30 defensively. But it’s not just about the stats; it’s about his commitment to recruiting and developing young talent. Speaking at the ACC Kickoff, Scheyer expressed his aspirations for the upcoming season. He believes that the expectations for both Filipowski and Roach are high, especially as Roach enters his senior year and Filipowski continues to impress after being named ACC Rookie of the Year in his freshman season.

When asked about his biggest lesson learned as Duke’s head coach so far, Scheyer shared a valuable insight, “I learned a lot about the people that were and are here now. We went through adversity, and the fact that these guys behind me and the rest of our team just stuck together, continued to work, and believed. Seeing that turn into an ACC Championship by the end of the year is what I am most proud of.”

Kyle Filipowski, who had a remarkable freshman year at Duke, being named ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Tournament MVP, and receiving several other accolades, expressed his gratitude for playing under a passionate coach who has been in his shoes and knows what it takes. The team’s goals for the 2023 season are set high, with the national championship as their ultimate aim.

The Duke Blue Devils are determined to build on the momentum of their successful previous season and aim to make a deep run in the national championship tournament. The lessons learned from past experiences have only fueled their drive for excellence.

Coach Scheyer’s commitment to excellence is unwavering, and it’s reflected in his team’s relentless pursuit of success. The Duke program has a storied history, and Scheyer is fully dedicated to adding more chapters to that rich narrative.

While Derrick Lively may have pursued his dream of playing professionally, the team sees his departure as an adjustment rather than a loss. They have faith that their returning players will step up to fill the void, and they still have key defenders ready to make their presence felt on the court.

Jared McCain is one of the most exciting prospects from Duke’s freshman class. The 6-foot-3 guard boasts an impressive high school career, averaging 18 points per game during his senior year for Centennial High School. His experience winning a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA U18 Americas Championship has only heightened the anticipation of his impact on the team this upcoming season.

Scheyer and the players made it clear during ACC Media Day that their primary goal is the national championship. Their singular focus on winning the biggest prize in college basketball speaks volumes about their confidence and determination.

Filipowski shared a valuable lesson he learned from the ACC tournament – that everyone has their own opinions, but what counts is coming together as a team and doing what it takes to win. This mindset will undoubtedly drive the Blue Devils in the 2023 season.

As we look forward to the 2023 season, there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the Duke Blue Devils. Coach Jon Scheyer’s leadership and his team’s commitment to excellence have set the stage for another thrilling journey in Duke’s pursuit of success. With their eyes set on the national championship, they are poised to make waves in college basketball, and fans eagerly await the unfolding of this exciting chapter in the Duke basketball legacy.