Jon Scheyer Among Final Four Finalists for National Coach of the Year, But Somehow Didn’t Win ACC Coach of the Year
Jon Scheyer, in his second season as the head coach of Duke men’s basketball, has made waves on the national stage. Despite leading the Blue Devils to a successful season and being named one of the final four finalists for National Coach of the Year, Scheyer’s impressive campaign was marred by the surprising news that he didn’t win the ACC Coach of the Year award. Instead, that honor went to the University of Miami’s Jim Larrañaga. This decision has raised questions about how coaching achievements are evaluated and what constitutes “success” in a highly competitive conference like the ACC.
Scheyer’s journey to the top of college basketball coaching ranks has been impressive. After taking over from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, many wondered if he could fill the massive shoes left by Coach K, one of the most successful and iconic coaches in NCAA history. In his second season, however, Scheyer has already proved his worth. The Blue Devils finished with an excellent regular-season record, navigating the rough waters of the ACC with notable victories and showing consistent growth throughout the year.
One of Scheyer’s standout accomplishments has been his ability to maintain the program’s excellence while integrating new talent. Duke’s success this year has been driven by a blend of veteran leadership and the contributions of a new crop of highly-rated freshmen. Scheyer’s ability to blend these elements and keep his team focused on the bigger picture has caught the attention of national pundits and made him a finalist for the prestigious National Coach of the Year award. His leadership and success have not only earned him the recognition of his peers but also the respect of college basketball fans across the country.
However, the ACC Coach of the Year award, which many expected to be a given for Scheyer due to his success at Duke, was ultimately awarded to Jim Larrañaga of Miami. Larrañaga, who led Miami to an outstanding regular-season record and an eventual strong finish in the NCAA Tournament, had an equally impressive year. The Hurricanes’ performance, highlighted by significant victories over top teams and their overall consistency in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, made Larrañaga a deserving candidate for the award.
The decision to award Larrañaga the ACC Coach of the Year title over Scheyer is curious, especially given Duke’s overall success. While Larrañaga certainly deserves credit for his coaching acumen and Miami’s excellent performance, there’s an argument to be made that Scheyer’s ability to maintain the Blue Devils’ level of play while transitioning into the role of head coach should have been considered more heavily. Transition years are notoriously difficult for programs, and Scheyer’s ability to navigate that with poise and effectiveness speaks to his coaching acumen.
The selection of Larrañaga over Scheyer ultimately serves as a reminder of how coaching awards are often subjective and can hinge on a variety of factors, including team success, individual performances, and the expectations placed on each coach. While Larrañaga’s work at Miami was undeniably outstanding, it’s hard not to feel that Scheyer’s achievements this season were every bit as remarkable—especially given the context in which he achieved them.
Regardless of the ACC snub, Scheyer’s future as Duke’s head coach appears incredibly bright. His inclusion among the final four finalists for National Coach of the Year speaks volumes about the impact he’s made in just two seasons. As the program continues to evolve under his leadership, it’s clear that Jon Scheyer is well on his way to solidifying his own legacy in college basketball.
