When Jon Scheyer took the helm as Duke’s head coach, many assumed it was a foregone conclusion. After all, Scheyer had spent years learning from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski and was deeply ingrained in Duke’s basketball culture. But what if we told you that Scheyer seriously considered coaching DePaul before committing to the Blue Devils?
In a recent revelation, Scheyer shared that he was close to choosing a different path. “There was a point when I thought I’d be coaching DePaul,” he admitted. DePaul’s program was likely attracted to Scheyer’s experience and leadership skills, and he was impressed by the university’s vision and values.
Why Duke Won Out
Scheyer ultimately decided to stay within the Blue Devil family, drawn by Duke’s rich tradition, talented players, and commitment to excellence. The opportunity to build on Krzyzewski’s legacy and lead a program with such a storied history was too great to pass up.
As Scheyer navigates his role as head coach, his experience and leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of Duke basketball. It’s intriguing to consider how his career might have unfolded differently if he had chosen DePaul.