Jon Scheyer Reflects on Coach K’s Continued Influence as Duke Prepares for Final Four
At his press conference before the highly anticipated Final Four matchup in San Antonio, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer was asked about the ongoing presence of the legendary Mike Krzyzewski around the program, three years after his retirement. The question, which seemed to be on the minds of many in attendance, centered on Coach K’s impact and whether his involvement continued to shape the team under Scheyer’s leadership.
Scheyer, who succeeded Krzyzewski after a legendary 42-year tenure at Duke, answered thoughtfully, acknowledging the invaluable guidance his former coach continues to provide. “Coach K is a huge part of this program. He’s not just a figurehead; he’s a mentor and a resource that I’m fortunate to lean on,” Scheyer said, his voice reflecting the gratitude he feels for the man who helped shape his career.
Since taking over as head coach, Scheyer has maintained close ties with Coach K, consulting him frequently for advice, strategy, and sometimes just to talk about the challenges and joys of coaching at one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs. “He’s been incredibly supportive, especially during moments when I’ve needed a sounding board,” Scheyer continued. “The way he sees the game, the way he builds relationships with players—it’s all things I’m constantly learning from. His legacy is something that lives on in this program, not just because of the banners we’ve hung, but because of the values he instilled in us.”
Scheyer noted that while Coach K no longer has a daily presence around the team, his influence is felt in every corner of the program. “He’s not in the locker room before games or on the sideline anymore, but his presence is always felt,” Scheyer explained. “The culture he created, the expectations he set—it’s part of who we are as Duke basketball.”
The question also touched on how Coach K’s retirement and subsequent role as an advisor had impacted the team’s preparation for the Final Four. Scheyer was quick to point out that while Coach K’s advice is always welcomed, this team’s success has been driven by the players’ hard work and development under Scheyer’s leadership. “Ultimately, this is our team,” Scheyer said. “Coach K is here for support, but the credit goes to our guys. They’ve put in the work, and they’ve shown incredible resilience throughout the season.”
Despite stepping down, Coach K has remained a visible figure at Duke, attending key games, and supporting the players both on and off the court. Scheyer emphasized that this continued connection between the two coaches creates a unique dynamic that benefits the team. “It’s great for the players to know that they’re supported by the greatest coach in college basketball history, and for me, personally, it’s a comfort to have him in my corner.”
With Duke gearing up for a high-pressure showdown in the Final Four, the presence of Coach K, both in spirit and through his ongoing guidance, offers a sense of stability and confidence for Scheyer and the Blue Devils. As the team prepares to face off against Houston, there’s no doubt that the legacy of Mike Krzyzewski will continue to loom large in the program, serving as both a foundation and a source of inspiration for what could be another championship run.
