As Duke prepares for its biggest stage yet under new leadership, head coach Jon Scheyer took a moment to honor the man whose shadow still looms large in Durham: Mike Krzyzewski.
Ahead of Duke’s Final Four showdown, Scheyer delivered a heartfelt message of admiration and gratitude toward his former mentor. It was more than just a nod to a coaching legend — it was a reflection of how deep Krzyzewski’s fingerprints still are on the program, even after his retirement.
“Coach K built this,” Scheyer said. “Everything we’re doing, everything we’re chasing — it’s rooted in the standards he set. It’s not lost on me what it means to carry that forward.”
Krzyzewski, who led Duke to five national titles and 13 Final Four appearances over his 42-year tenure, officially passed the torch to Scheyer after the 2021–22 season. Since then, Scheyer has navigated the pressure of following a legend with composure and his own brand of leadership. But the respect for Krzyzewski remains central to his approach.
“I learned everything I know about this level of coaching from him,” Scheyer said. “But more importantly, I learned how to lead young men the right way.”
This year’s Duke team has shown flashes of vintage toughness and chemistry — hallmarks of Krzyzewski’s best squads — while also embracing Scheyer’s vision of a more free-flowing, offensively dynamic game. It’s a blend of old and new that’s helped bring the Blue Devils back to the Final Four spotlight.
For Scheyer, the journey is personal. He played under Krzyzewski, won a national title with him in 2010, and served on his staff for nearly a decade before taking over. Now, he’s crafting his own legacy — but never far from the influence of the man who set the standard.
With Duke just two wins away from another national championship, the bond between past and present feels more relevant than ever.
“It’s not about me or Coach K — it’s about Duke,” Scheyer said. “But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to make him proud.”
As the Blue Devils gear up for the Final Four, one thing is clear: the legacy of Coach K is alive and well — and it’s being carried with pride by the man who once wore the jersey and now leads the charge.
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