Nolan Smith Makes His Opinion of Duke’s Jon Scheyer Extremely Clear
Nolan Smith, a beloved former Duke basketball player, has long been a fan favorite in the Blue Devil community. After an illustrious career as a player and later as an assistant coach, Smith’s role in the program has evolved over the years, particularly after his departure in 2022. One of the most significant transitions in Duke basketball recently has been the succession of legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski by Jon Scheyer. While Scheyer’s appointment marked the dawn of a new era, it’s also been accompanied by plenty of scrutiny and high expectations.
In recent months, Smith has made his opinion on Scheyer’s leadership at Duke unmistakably clear. Throughout his time at Duke, Smith was a vocal leader on and off the court, and he has now turned his attention to how the program is evolving under Scheyer’s stewardship. Despite the pressures of following a legend like Coach K, Scheyer has navigated his transition as Duke’s head coach with great poise and determination, earning the respect of those who have been part of the Blue Devil family for years—including Smith.
During an interview in early 2025, Smith praised Scheyer’s leadership, his understanding of the game, and his ability to steer the program in the right direction. Smith expressed his confidence that Scheyer was not just capable of maintaining the legacy of Duke basketball but could build upon it. “Jon has always had a high basketball IQ,” Smith remarked. “Even when he was playing, he was an extension of Coach K on the floor. Now, as the head coach, he’s able to bring that same understanding and passion for the game to the team.”
The respect between Smith and Scheyer is rooted in years of collaboration. Smith, who played under Coach K and later served as an assistant coach on Scheyer’s staff, sees firsthand how Scheyer has handled the challenges that come with coaching at such a high level. Smith’s endorsement of Scheyer is significant, particularly when considering his deep ties to the program and the expectations placed on the new head coach.
While Smith’s admiration for Scheyer has been evident in his recent comments, some have speculated that his relationship with Scheyer might not have always been this clear-cut. In June 2023, Smith posted on Twitter about attending the NBA Draft only if personally invited by a player, which some interpreted as a subtle critique of Scheyer’s decision to attend the event with his player, Dereck Lively. While this comment sparked some chatter, Smith later clarified that his tweet was more about respecting the players and their families, rather than a direct comment on Scheyer’s presence at the draft. This clarification only reinforced that his connection with Scheyer remains strong, with Smith’s recent praise showing that any prior misinterpretations were likely misunderstandings.
Smith’s endorsement also ties into broader discussions about Scheyer’s ability to recruit and lead Duke into its next phase. As the program sets its sights on the future, with highly touted recruits like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel committing to Duke, Smith’s support for Scheyer has come at an opportune time. As a former player who knows what it takes to succeed at Duke, Smith’s voice carries weight, and his unwavering belief in Scheyer’s ability to lead the team forward speaks volumes about the trust and optimism that exists within the Duke basketball community.
In conclusion, Nolan Smith’s opinion of Jon Scheyer is clear and unequivocal: he believes in Scheyer as Duke’s head coach. With Smith’s deep roots in the program, his endorsement offers valuable insight into Scheyer’s coaching ability, leadership, and potential for success. As Duke continues to adjust to life after Coach K, Smith’s support helps reinforce the notion that the Blue Devils are in capable hands with Jon Scheyer at the helm.
