Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum didn’t miss his shot to poke fun at former Duke teammate and current Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after Scheyer earned Coach of the Year honors. Tatum celebrated the achievement with his trademark humor.
Their bond dates back to Tatum’s 2016-17 season at Duke, where Scheyer was on the coaching staff. Since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, Scheyer has compiled a stellar record, drawing praise for maintaining Duke’s national prominence through sharp leadership and consistent performance.
Jayson Tatum Throws Playful Jab as Jon Scheyer Wins Coach of the Year
Boston Celtics standout and former Duke star Jayson Tatum congratulated Jon Scheyer on earning the 2025 John McLendon National Coach of the Year award — with a signature touch of humor.
“Don’t let this get to your head… no matter how many awards you win, I still shoot better than you,” Tatum said in a video message. “Congrats my guy. Happy for you.”
NBA Champion, NBA Superstar, and one of the best to ever play at Duke, Jayson Tatum congratulates Jon Scheyer on winning the 2025 John McLendon National Coach of the Year and reminds him who the better shooter is. #2025CIAwards @DukeMBB @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/6rYyoPE3V6
— College Insider Inc. (@collegeinsider) April 3, 2025
Scheyer, now in his third season with Duke men’s basketball, led the Blue Devils to a 35-3 record, the program’s 18th Final Four appearance, and their first 31-win regular season since 1999. Duke swept both the ACC regular season and tournament titles — something they hadn’t done since 2006 — and entered March Madness as the No. 1 overall seed.
“Best in the business man… so much deserved,” Tatum added.
His relationship with Scheyer dates back to his teenage years in Milwaukee when Scheyer recruited him to Duke. As a freshman in the 2016-17 season, Tatum played under assistant coach Scheyer and Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski. That connection has remained strong.
Speaking on The Brotherhood Podcast, Tatum recalled Scheyer’s drive.
“We were super close when I was at Duke and still to this day… we talk to Jon if not every day, every other day,” Tatum said. “I could always see it when I was there — he was young, he was driven, he was motivated. That’s what you want to see in somebody that is going to be a head coach one day.”
Scheyer’s 89 wins in his first three seasons are the most ever by an ACC coach over that span, surpassing North Carolina’s Bill Guthridge (80).
“Following in the footsteps of greatness can be overwhelming,” said Angela Lento, vice president of CollegeInsider.com. “But Jon Scheyer is the genuine article.”
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
The McLendon Award honors trailblazer John McLendon, the first African American coach to win an integrated national championship and a groundbreaking figure in both collegiate and professional basketball.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
