Is the countdown already beginning for the Jon Scheyer era at Duke?
While Duke supporters may dream of Scheyer replicating Coach K’s legendary longevity and staying in Durham for four decades, that scenario likely remains far-fetched.
Even after just four years at the helm of the Duke program, Scheyer has already attracted serious NBA attention—and this despite not yet securing a National Championship with the Blue Devils.
When the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with Jason Kidd, Scheyer stood as their top target. The franchise envisioned pairing him with his former Duke standout, Cooper Flagg, who has since claimed the NBA’s Rookie of the Year honor. As tempting as that opportunity surely was for Scheyer, he still considers his mission in Durham incomplete.
Scheyer is determined to bring a championship to Duke. Beyond that, whether he opts for the NBA remains an open question.
There are those who view an eventual move as all but certain. NBA insider Shams Charania, for instance, suggested after the Mavericks landed Dusty May instead of Scheyer that the Duke coach would ultimately make the leap to the pros.
CBS Sports’ Cameron Salerno shares that outlook. Salerno has gone on record predicting Scheyer will be the next college coach to transition to the NBA.
Fortunately for Duke fans, Salerno also believes that move won’t materialize until after Scheyer secures a title.
CBS writer foresees Jon Scheyer emulating Dusty May’s trajectory to the NBA
Salerno contends that Scheyer was wise to turn down the Mavericks and remain at Duke—at least for the time being.
“Scheyer has, on paper, put together another loaded Duke roster,” Salerno observes. “He’s a master at acquiring talent. This season, the Blue Devils may boast the deepest squad in college basketball and should be serious contenders for the national crown. Should that happen—when it happens—that’s the moment I’d expect Scheyer to consider an NBA move.”
While Duke fans would hate to see Scheyer depart, such a trade-off might be worth it. Acceptance would be tough, but a national title would erase any potential resentment from the fanbase. Scheyer would then have won a championship both as a player and as head coach cementing a legacy beyond dispute.
Scheyer possesses a fierce competitive drive, and it’s easy to see why the NBA appeals to him. Though he couldn’t break through as a player at that level, he might find success as a coach. His basketball acumen commands widespread respect among his peers, and he has firmly established himself on the professional radar.
It may only be a matter of time before Scheyer follows May’s route. The reassuring part for fans is that Scheyer isn’t the type to walk away before finishing what he started. He is singularly focused on delivering Duke’s first post-Krzyzewski national championship. Only when and if that goal is achieved might he contemplate an NBA move, assuming the right offer arises.
Until that moment, he’s pushing as relentlessly as ever to end the drought and add another banner to Cameron Indoor’s rafters.
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