5 things to know about Jon Scheyer, the former Glenbrook North star who  succeed Mike Krzyzewski as Duke basketball coach…

5 things to know about Jon Scheyer, the former Glenbrook North star who  succeed Mike Krzyzewski as Duke basketball coach

 

As Mike Krzyzewski — better known as Coach K — stepped away from the sidelines after over four decades, the Duke basketball program turned to a familiar face: Jon Scheyer. A former Duke player and Glenbrook North High School legend, Scheyer has taken over one of the most prestigious coaching roles in college basketball. Here are five key things to know about the rising coaching star.

 

1. Illinois Roots and High School Stardom

 

Jon Scheyer made a name for himself long before he stepped onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Raised in Northbrook, Illinois, he became a standout at Glenbrook North High School, where he led the Spartans to a state championship in 2005. Known for his scoring ability and poise under pressure, Scheyer earned Illinois Mr. Basketball honors in 2006 and finished his high school career as one of the top scorers in state history.

2. Champion and Leader at Duke

Scheyer played at Duke from 2006 to 2010 and left an impressive legacy. As a senior, he captained the Blue Devils to the 2010 NCAA national championship, averaging 18.2 points and 4.9 assists per game. He was named a consensus second-team All-American and was known for his intelligence, court vision, and leadership. His 144 consecutive game appearances speak to his consistency and durability.

3. From Player to Coach

After a brief professional playing career, including a stint overseas, Scheyer transitioned to coaching. He returned to Duke in 2014 as a special assistant and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming associate head coach by 2018. His deep understanding of the program’s culture, coupled with a modern basketball mindset, made him the ideal choice to eventually succeed Krzyzewski.

4. A Smooth Succession

In June 2021, Duke officially announced Scheyer would become the head coach following Coach K’s retirement at the end of the 2021–22 season. Unlike many high-profile transitions, this succession was smooth and well-planned. Scheyer’s familiarity with the program, his rapport with players, and his involvement in recruiting helped ensure continuity. In his first seasons as head coach, he quickly silenced doubters with strong records, ACC titles, and a Final Four appearance.

5. Recruiting Force and Modern Leader

Scheyer has already proven himself on the recruiting trail, bringing in top-ranked classes and elite prospects like Cooper Flagg and the Boozer twins. His coaching style blends Duke tradition with a forward-thinking approach, embracing analytics, player empowerment, and NIL opportunities. He’s also known for being relatable and authentic—qualities that resonate with today’s athletes.

The Future at Duke

Taking over for a legend is no easy task, but Jon Scheyer is off to a remarkable start. With his roots in high-level competition, his championship experience as a player, and his early success as a coach, Scheyer is proving he’s more than just Coach K’s successor—he’s building a new legacy of his own.