As the calendar flips to February, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer is reflecting on the resilience his team has shown over the past two games, but he knows there’s still plenty of work ahead for the Blue Devils. After a pair of hard-fought victories, including a rivalry win over NC State, Scheyer acknowledged the positive strides his team has made, but emphasized that the challenges are only going to increase as they head into the thick of the season.
The Blue Devils have been playing some of their best basketball lately, but it hasn’t come easy. In their most recent games, they found themselves in tough situations, having to claw back from early deficits or battle through adversity in the second half. Despite those challenges, Scheyer was proud of how his team responded, particularly in the face of pressure.
“We’ve shown a lot of grit and resilience these last couple of games,” Scheyer said after the NC State win. “There were moments when we could’ve let things slip away, but we stuck together, kept fighting, and found a way to win. That’s a sign of maturity and a positive step forward for this group.”
In both games, Duke had to overcome sluggish starts. Against NC State, for instance, the Blue Devils struggled in the first half, battling turnovers, missed shots, and defensive lapses that allowed the Wolfpack to stay within striking distance. However, the second half saw a different team emerge, one that tightened up defensively and executed better on offense, turning the tide and securing the win.
Scheyer’s praise for his team’s resilience is warranted. The Blue Devils’ ability to weather the storm in both games showed their growth as a team, especially for a squad that is still gelling after a mix of experienced players and freshmen. However, Scheyer is quick to remind everyone that while the wins were important, the level of competition only gets tougher as the season progresses.
With the ACC schedule in full swing and February looming, the Blue Devils are entering a critical stretch of games that will shape their positioning for the postseason. Scheyer knows that the intensity will ramp up, and his team must continue to refine their game in order to remain competitive with some of the top teams in the conference and across the country.
“There’s a lot of work left to do,” Scheyer stated. “We’ve had some good moments, but we need to be sharper, especially on the defensive end. We have to continue to improve our consistency and execution, because every game from here on out is a big one. The margin for error is slim, and we have to make sure we’re prepared for what’s ahead.”
The upcoming stretch will test the Blue Devils in ways they haven’t yet been challenged this season. With games against ranked ACC opponents and a few tough non-conference matchups, Duke will need to stay focused and continue building on the momentum they’ve gained. Scheyer’s message to his team is clear: keep fighting, stay disciplined, and don’t get complacent.
As the Blue Devils push toward February, they’ll look to improve on their early-season inconsistency and prove that they’re ready to compete for a spot near the top of the ACC standings. While the resilience they’ve shown is promising, there’s no question that more work is needed for them to realize their full potential.
In the end, February will be a pivotal month for Duke as they strive to keep their momentum going. If they can continue to build on their resilience and sharpen their game, they’ll be well-positioned for the stretch run. For Scheyer, the focus is on the journey ahead—learning, improving, and staying hungry as they look to make a deep run toward March.
