“Whatever It Takes”: How Duke Basketball Overcomes Being One Coach Down in NCAA Tourney
As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament heats up, Duke Basketball has found itself in uncharted waters. The Blue Devils, perennial contenders in March Madness, are facing an unprecedented challenge: navigating the tournament without one of their key coaching staff members. With Duke head coach Jon Scheyer out due to an unexpected health issue, the team has had to adapt quickly to ensure their March Madness run doesn’t falter.
In times of adversity, teams often rise to the occasion, and Duke is no exception. Despite the absence of Scheyer, the Blue Devils have embraced a “whatever it takes” mentality to stay competitive in the tournament. With assistant coaches Chris Carrawell and Nolan Smith stepping up to fill the void, Duke’s players are demonstrating resilience and determination, refusing to let the situation derail their championship aspirations.
Scheyer, who took over for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski after his retirement, had quickly established his own identity as head coach. Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke had enjoyed a strong season, blending a mix of veterans and talented freshmen into a cohesive unit. However, when Scheyer’s absence was confirmed just before the start of the tournament, many wondered how the team would respond. After all, Krzyzewski’s shadow looms large over the program, and a sudden shift in leadership could easily rattle any squad.
But rather than faltering, the Blue Devils have used Scheyer’s absence as fuel to drive them forward. Carrawell, a former Blue Devil and Scheyer’s trusted assistant, has taken over as the team’s acting head coach. Carrawell, who had already proven himself as a capable recruiter and strategist, knows the ins and outs of the program. His deep connection to the team has helped provide a sense of continuity and stability amidst the chaos. Similarly, Nolan Smith, another former Duke player, has stepped up to assume a more prominent role in the coaching staff. His experience as a player for Duke, combined with his understanding of the team’s ethos, has been invaluable.
The players have bought into the leadership transition, with several key players mentioning how they’ve had to adjust, but remain focused on their goal: winning it all. Jeremy Roach, the Blue Devils’ senior guard and on-court leader, has been a stabilizing force for the team. Roach’s leadership has been more crucial than ever as he channels the lessons learned under Scheyer and Krzyzewski. Roach has emphasized that no matter who’s on the sideline, the team is committed to staying together and continuing to compete at the highest level.
Another player who has embraced the “whatever it takes” mindset is freshman standout Kyle Filipowski. The 7-foot forward has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in the tournament, and his leadership has proven vital during this coaching transition. Filipowski’s ability to both score and rebound has kept Duke competitive in close matches, and he’s shown the maturity of a player far beyond his years.
The loss of Scheyer has also pushed the entire team to be more self-reliant, with players assuming more responsibility both on and off the court. There’s a heightened sense of urgency, with each player knowing that the outcome of every game has become even more critical in the absence of their head coach.
As the Blue Devils continue their march through the tournament, they are proving that, despite a major obstacle, their championship aspirations remain alive. With the leadership of Carrawell and Smith, and the determination of the players, Duke is showing that they are ready to do “whatever it takes” to overcome this adversity and push forward in their quest for another national title. Whether it’s through tactical adjustments, intense defense, or the relentless play of their stars, Duke is ready to meet the challenge head-on, no matter who’s on the bench.
