In a recently unearthed video from Jan. 2010, famous coaches Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski and late Bobby Knight heaped accolades on Jon Scheyer during his senior year at Duke University.
Coach K praised Scheyer’s great game sense, saying, “He has a good heart and wants to win only.” Knight reiterated this sentiment, highlighting Scheyer’s unrelenting determination to win.
Coach K & Bobby Knight’s High Praise for Jon Scheyer Resurfaces
After a distinguished playing career, Scheyer effectively transitioned into coaching, joining Duke’s coaching staff in 2014 and being named head coach in 2022 after Coach K’s retirement. Under his leadership, Duke has retained its competitive edge, achieving an impressive 89-21 record in his first three seasons.
Love this video of Bobby Knight and Coach K talking about Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer when he was still playing
“He has a good heart and wants to win only”
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) April 2, 2025
Scheyer’s early encounter with high-level coaching under Coach K, as well as recognition from figures such as Knight, have had a significant impact on his coaching strategy. He recognizes the importance of authenticity in his role.
“Coach K is one of one. He’s one of a kind. I would be unsuccessful if I tried to be him,” Scheyer said.
As of April 2025, under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke has advanced to the Final Four for the first time since his employment as head coach. This achievement displays his strong leadership and strategic ability.
Scheyer’s coaching method has adopted the Japanese principle of ‘Kaizen,’ which emphasizes continuous, incremental improvement. This mindset has been crucial in building a culture of continuous progress within the team, contributing to their sustained success.
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Jon Scheyer’s journey from being praised by coaching legends to becoming a respected coach himself exemplifies his commitment and enthusiasm for the game.
His story serves as an encouragement, depicting the impact of mentorship and the importance of staying true to one’s vision in the constantly evolving sport of collegiate basketball.
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