At Duke, talent has never been the problem. But this summer, Jon Scheyer is testing something deeper than skill or speed — he’s testing basketball IQ. And based on early reports, some Blue Devils are struggling to keep up.
Welcome to what insiders are calling “The IQ Test” — a brutal new practice system designed not just to build bodies, but sharpen minds.
> “This isn’t just about who can dunk,” one source close to the program shared. “Coach Scheyer is exposing who actually understands the game — and who’s just been relying on athleticism.”
What Is “The IQ Test”?
Scheyer and his staff have implemented a series of situational scrimmages where players must make instant decisions without coaching input. Everything — from clock management to defensive switches to set recognition — is in the players’ hands.
Mistakes are tracked. Praise is rare. Film review is ruthless.
> “Guys think they know basketball… until they go through this,” one veteran assistant reportedly told a parent during a recent practice visit.
Sources say these drills have rattled a few high-profile returners, while giving some overlooked players — like sharp-shooting freshman Isaiah Evans and savvy transfer Malik Mack — a major boost in respect.
A Different Kind of Duke
Under Coach K, Duke was known for firepower and pressure. Under Scheyer, the new message is clear: mental sharpness is non-negotiable.
Insiders say that one player — whose name hasn’t been confirmed — was even pulled off the court mid-scrimmage and made to explain three consecutive blown assignments in front of the team. Word is, Scheyer’s message wasn’t subtle:
> “If you don’t know what’s happening, you’re not playing. Simple as that.”
Who’s Falling Behind?
While coaches haven’t named names, chatter around the locker room suggests that at least two returning players are “still thinking like high schoolers,” as one source put it. Meanwhile, incoming freshman Khaman Maluach is reportedly picking up schemes quicker than expected, shocking even the older guys.
Bigger Than Basketball?
This isn’t just practice — it’s preparation for March. Scheyer wants thinkers, not just dunkers. And if “The IQ Test” continues, only the mentally elite will see big minutes come tip-off.
So far, the message is loud and clear in Durham:
Basketball IQ is the new superpower. And only the sharpest Blue Devils will survive.
