Being the man to exchange the man — irrespective of the trade, however significantly in teaching — is without doubt one of the much less fascinating duties as a result of there’s at all times enormous footwear to fill. You possibly can argue there have been none greater than Mike Krzyzewski’s, which Jon Scheyer crammed when he took over for Duke at age 34 and became the youngest high-major head coach in the country in the process.
Contained in the Alamodome this week, Scheyer wears a smile on his face. He has answered the bell in each means in his three seasons, boasting an 89-21 document and taking this system to its first Final Four since Krzyzewski’s ultimate 12 months with the Blue Devils. What’s extra, Duke is the favourite to win its first nationwide championship since 2015.
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With the No. 1-ranked recruiting class in two of the previous three years and once more subsequent season — headlined by twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the sons of former Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer — Scheyer has continued to function within the higher echelons of the recruiting recreation with Duke clearly on the high.
You identify it, and Scheyer has carried out it in resounding vogue. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson might need stated it finest in his Thursday press convention forward of Saturday evening’s showdown (8:49 p.m. ET).
“I am going to let you know how good Jon Scheyer has been,” stated Sampson, who has led the Cougars to their second Closing 4 in 5 years. “No person talks about him changing Coach Ok anymore. He is Jon Scheyer. He is acquired his workforce within the Closing 4. I feel that speaks volumes for him. I’ve a ton of respect for him.”
FOX Sports activities caught up with Scheyer for an unique 1-on-1 forward of the Duke’s Closing 4 tilt.
This can be a stage you’ve been on earlier than as a nationwide champion, each as a participant and a employees member underneath Mike Krzyzewski. Now as the pinnacle coach, has actuality sunk in but that you just’re main the Blue Devils right into a Closing 4?
Scheyer: “I’m unsure it has, John. This factor occurs so shortly. You go from taking part in Alabama in an Elite Eight recreation in New Jersey and profitable to then in a short time going into recreation prep mode and realizing you will have an ideal workforce to face in Houston. However I’ve tried to ensure alongside the best way that you just simply pinch your self, take 30 seconds to soak it in and luxuriate in it — as a result of, clearly, as a competitor, your thoughts goes to the following factor and the following recreation and ensuring you’re prepared.”
When speaking with Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and others in latest weeks about their work ethic, I mirror again to what your highschool coach, Dave Webber. stated about you — along with your early mornings, getting pictures up and late-night drills after you completed your homework. How a lot is that at all times in your thoughts, the thought that you really want guys to mirror your work ethic?
Scheyer: “It’s the No. 1 factor. We’ll usher in gifted guys, in fact, however the separator is their means to work via onerous moments. And every of the blokes you simply talked about — and actually the entire guys on this workforce — they’ve such a tremendous professionalism about them. The best way they work, the lengthy hours, the early mornings, the late nights. I’ve by no means as soon as as a head coach needed to persuade them that, ‘Man, it is advisable to work this manner.’ That’s a credit score to our employees and the job we’ve carried out to herald an unimaginable group of younger males.”
The noise heading into Saturday evening’s regional ultimate was the battle between the nation’s best offense (Duke) towards the nation’s highest-scoring offense, Alabama. You confirmed in that recreation that you could get it carried out defensively as nicely by holding them scoreless for 5 important minutes in crunch time. On Saturday evening, we’re speaking about Duke’s offense versus Houston’s protection, which is 1 vs. 1, however how a lot is the message to your workforce relating to Saturday that, ‘Hey guys, we will defend too!’?
Scheyer: “A hundred percent. We’ve taken quite a lot of delight within the defensive finish all 12 months. With full respect for Houston and the protection that they’ve, we really feel we might be proper there with anyone. We need to defend and never have our price get caught up in scoring. We really feel scoring will come the correct means so long as our mindset is in a preventing mindset and a aggressive mindset to get stops and rebounds.”
What has been Mike Krzyzewski’s position these previous three years, and when have you ever spoken to him all through these occasions?
Scheyer: “Properly, Coach Ok’s my man. I’m fortunate to be the coach at Duke, and my coach remains to be teaching me each step of the best way. In a few of the hardest moments we’ve had — particularly the early moments, however this 12 months included — the man that I flip to is him, and he’s been not simply an unimaginable voice for me, however he is lended his ear and simply listened. Within the stability of the 2, I feel it’s been unimaginable the place actually the one individual that may have empathy for the place that I’m in is him. Being the pinnacle coach at Duke, I feel it’s one thing actually particular. It’s such a particular bond that we share. So, he’s been my man. I hope he can present up in San Antonio. He has not been with us for an NCAA Tournament recreation but this season. That may be superior, however he’s been there for the largest moments of my teaching profession.”
Lastly, you and Kelvin Sampson have some connections via a wide range of various things, beginning with the truth that your first scrimmage as the pinnacle coach at Duke was towards Houston. What’s your reference to him like?
Scheyer: “Sure … I needed to do this to reveal our guys to the best degree, and I felt that their program actually, outdoors of ours, was the instance with their connectivity, their toughness, their protection and what they’re constructing as a tradition. To have that second collectively, it was particular. We talked for about 45 minutes that day, nearly all the things in teaching, him giving me recommendation. Since then, he’s texted me and we’ve been in contact. We’ve ran into one another in a number of airports the place you get stranded and also you’re speaking for a few hours, and I’ve actually cherished these conversations and the friendship we’ve developed since that second.”
John Fanta is a nationwide school basketball broadcaster and author for FOX Sports activities. He covers the game in a wide range of capacities, from calling video games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Community to offering commentary on The Subject of 68 Media Community. Comply with him at @John_Fanta.
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