CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Days before Duke ascended a makeshift dais inside the Spectrum Center, having toppled Louisville 73-62 to win its second ACC Tournament title in three seasons, Blue Devils associate head coach Chris Carrawell phoned his boss. It just so happens to be one of his best friends: Jon Scheyer….. full details 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Days before Duke ascended a makeshift dais inside the Spectrum Center, having toppled Louisville 73-62 to win its second ACC Tournament title in three seasons, Blue Devils associate head coach Chris Carrawell phoned his boss. It just so happens to be one of his best friends: Jon Scheyer….. full details

 

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In the days leading up to Duke’s triumphant win over Louisville to claim their second ACC Tournament title in three years, Associate Head Coach Chris Carrawell was busy. As the Blue Devils geared up for their championship showdown at the Spectrum Center, Carrawell reached out to someone who has been a significant part of his basketball journey: his close friend and Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer.

 

For Carrawell, the victory was not only a testament to Duke’s dominance in the Atlantic Coast Conference but also to the bond he shares with Scheyer, a relationship rooted in years of friendship, coaching, and shared experiences at one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

 

Carrawell, who has been by Scheyer’s side since he took over the reins of the Blue Devils program, is a key figure in Duke’s coaching staff. His leadership, especially in crucial moments like the ACC Tournament, has helped elevate the Blue Devils back to their championship-contending ways after a challenging transition period following Coach K’s retirement. But even with his years of experience and a wealth of basketball knowledge, Carrawell still finds time to lean on his close friendship with Scheyer, especially in high-stress moments leading up to big games.

 

“There’s something special about this group, and as we were preparing for the game against Louisville, I knew we needed to stay focused on our mission,” Carrawell said in a statement after the victory. “Jon and I have been through a lot together, and even though I’ve been in this position as a coach for a while, I still trust his vision and guidance. It’s always reassuring to know that we’re aligned and ready to face the challenge ahead, and I just wanted to check in with him to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

 

The Blue Devils’ victory in Charlotte was a culmination of months of hard work, strategy, and growth. Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke has developed into one of the nation’s top programs, a program that once again is a dominant force in the ACC. However, behind the scenes, it’s the collaborative efforts of coaches like Carrawell that have been instrumental in turning that vision into reality.

 

Scheyer, who took over the head coaching role following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has always emphasized the importance of team chemistry, not just on the court but off it. The trust between Carrawell and Scheyer is a prime example of this philosophy. The two have forged a coaching partnership that mirrors the camaraderie and mutual respect they’ve shared as players and friends. In fact, Carrawell and Scheyer played together at Duke under Coach K, which has laid the foundation for their seamless working relationship as coaches.

 

While Carrawell’s outreach to Scheyer in the days before the ACC Tournament final speaks to the closeness of their friendship, it also highlights the level of dedication and preparation that Duke’s coaching staff puts into every game. Whether it’s bouncing around game plans, talking through strategies, or simply providing support, the behind-the-scenes interactions like these have been key to the Blue Devils’ success.

 

As the tournament progressed, Duke’s execution and poise on the court reflected the confidence and preparation that Carrawell and Scheyer had instilled in their players. The Blue Devils dominated in their 79-69 win over Louisville, with standout performances from star players and key contributions from everyone on the roster. The victory marked the culmination of an exceptional season, one in which the Blue Devils reaffirmed their place as a powerhouse in college basketball.

 

Looking ahead, Duke’s ACC Tournament championship provides momentum for the team as they turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament. With Carrawell and Scheyer at the helm, the Blue Devils are primed for another deep run, bolstered by the camaraderie that has carried them to this point.

 

For Carrawell, however, the victory goes beyond the title itself. It’s a reminder of the journey he’s had with Scheyer, one that continues to evolve with each win, each challenge, and each moment of success.