The conclusion of the season always brings a sense of abruptness, particularly if your team hasn’t had a standout year like Duke has experienced five times in the past. At that point, the ongoing games lose some of their allure as your team exits the picture.
While it would have been gratifying for Duke to triumph over NC State and advance, it’s undeniable now: State is enjoying a remarkable season, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them and their devoted supporters. We’ll be rooting for them as they continue their journey, and we hope you will too.
Turning our attention back to Duke, although defeat is never enjoyable, let’s maintain some perspective.
There was a tweet circulating that depicted the Elite Eight lineups and highlighted the number of players who were transfers. Duke was the only team to start five players who hadn’t transferred. On the other hand, in tonight’s game, it appeared that State had four seniors—although we couldn’t confirm—and a junior, all of whom were transfers.
In contrast, Duke’s starting lineup comprised one graduate student (Ryan Young), one senior (Jeremy Roach), and one junior (Jaylen Blakes). The remaining players are either sophomores or freshmen.
One of Jon Scheyer’s initial objectives was to build a team with more experience. This strategy was wise in general, and particularly so now. UNC, for instance, had Ryan Cormac, aged 25, and Armando Bacot, aged 24, in their starting lineup.
Last year, Scheyer essentially had to start anew, with only Roach and Blakes returning from Mike Krzyzewski’s final team. He brought in Young, Jacob Grandison from Illinois, Kale Catchings from Harvard, and Max Johns from Princeton to bolster the lineup.
Only Young and Grandson were actively involved in playing, and all four were graduate students.
Why recruit players who didn’t see playing time?
Because of their maturity. They could contribute in practice sessions, helping teammates grasp not only drills but also develop habits and understand expectations. It was a strategically sound decision.
The team is young, as is the coach. We’ve been saying for some time that the transition from Coach K to Coach Scheyer wasn’t instantaneous; it would take time. However, we recently mentioned that this transitional period is now behind us. This is Jon Scheyer’s team and program. He has injected a burst of energy into his role along with numerous fresh ideas. It’s the kind of dynamic you’d anticipate from a new, youthful coach (we’re witnessing a slightly older version of this at Louisville now, as Pat Kercey has swiftly revitalized that program).
Yet, one aspect he can’t swiftly alter, which also applies to his team, is their youthfulness.
While energy and innovation are vital, Duke learned from and alongside a young Coach K in the early ’80s that there are lessons to be learned. These lessons might even be painful, and the only way to absorb them is through setbacks. That was always one of the most notable traits about Krzyzewski: if he didn’t exactly embrace failure, he acknowledged it, learned from it, applied the insights, and moved forward.
Scheyer is undeniably a promising young coach. We might even go as far as to label him as brilliant. We’ve outlined his achievements recently, so there’s no need to rehash them all. However, a few highlights: his ACC record stands at 29-11 (.725). His overall career record is 54-18 (.750). He clinched the ACC Tournament title in his debut season and guided Duke to the Elite Eight in his second. He’s achieved this nearly entirely by revamping the roster and navigating significant injuries, primarily relying on freshmen and sophomores.
There will inevitably be individuals on social media who deride him and Duke. Yes, they’re misguided. This program is thriving, and next season, with his third consecutive outstanding recruiting class, they’ll be poised to achieve even more.
This isn’t to suggest that Duke is guaranteed a spot in the Final Four. There are too many variables to make such a guarantee. However, it does imply that the team will likely be more talented and possesses the potential to significantly enhance its defensive capabilities with players like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Malauch, and Sean Stewart guarding the basket.
While it’s challenging to predict who will return, given the transfer portal and other factors, the team will probably be more experienced.
And so will its coach.
Scheyer is still just 36. He will glean lessons from his experiences because he’s not conceited and certainly not unintelligent. He’ll continue to evolve, as will his program.
