Jon Scheyer made it clear that his focus remains on Duke, but his recent comments suggest that an eventual move to the NBA cannot be completely ruled out.
The Duke head coach was reportedly a target for the Dallas Mavericks as they searched for their next head coach. With former Duke standout Cooper Flagg already in Dallas, the opportunity could have been particularly appealing for Scheyer. However, Scheyer ultimately decided to remain in Durham, and the Mavericks eventually hired Michigan head coach Dusty May.
For now, Scheyer remains fully committed to Duke and appears determined to continue building what he believes can become something special in Durham.
During a recent appearance on the Glue Guys Podcast, Scheyer addressed the Mavericks’ interest and explained why he chose to stay at Duke. Rather than shutting down the possibility of coaching in the NBA someday, however, Scheyer emphasized how much he still wants to accomplish with the Blue Devils.
«“Anybody that knows me, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself, not seeing this thing through,” Scheyer said.»
Scheyer also described Duke as his dream job and stressed how strongly connected he feels to the university and the Durham community.
«“I’m at a one-of-one place where, not often, you get your dream job when you’re 33. That’s what happened to me.”»
The message from Scheyer was clear: there is unfinished business at Duke.
He pointed to the success the program has already experienced under his leadership while making it clear that he believes the Blue Devils have much more to accomplish.
“I’m really proud of the start we’ve got off to and the continuation of what’s been built here,” Scheyer said. “I think we’ve got so much left to do. I just think we have so much left to accomplish.”
Family also appears to be an important part of Scheyer’s decision to remain in Durham. He explained that the area has become home for him, noting that he has now spent more time in Durham than in his hometown of Chicago.
The Mavericks’ interest, according to Scheyer, ultimately gave him another reason to examine what he had at Duke and recommit to it.
“I do think it makes you have to double down on what you have to get right. For me, it reenergized me, refocused me,” Scheyer said.
Scheyer Still Has Plenty He Wants to Accomplish at Duke
For Duke supporters, Scheyer’s comments provide reassurance in the short term while leaving some uncertainty about the distant future.
He did not make a promise that Duke would be his only coaching destination for the rest of his career. Instead, his comments centered on completing the work he believes remains unfinished with the Blue Devils.
A national championship is undoubtedly one of those goals.
Duke has not won a national title since 2015, and Scheyer has already put together teams capable of making deep NCAA Tournament runs. The Blue Devils have fallen short in painful fashion, but the program has continued to remain among the teams competing for the championship.
Scheyer’s continued ability to attract elite talent and build highly competitive rosters means Duke should remain in the national championship conversation.
If Scheyer eventually leads the Blue Devils to a national championship, the possibility of exploring the NBA could become an interesting storyline once again.
There is precedent for a Duke coach being pursued by the NBA.
Mike Krzyzewski received NBA opportunities during his legendary tenure in Durham and famously came close to taking the Los Angeles Lakers job in 2004 before ultimately deciding to remain at Duke.
Scheyer could face similar decisions throughout his career.
For now, though, the message from Duke’s head coach is centered on the present. The NBA may remain an intriguing possibility someday, but Scheyer believes there is still too much left to accomplish in Durham to walk away now.
