DURHAM — Following his transition into the role of head coach after Mike Krzyzewski’s departure in 2022, Jon Scheyer spoke with former Duke basketball player Shane Battier about the essence of Blue Devil basketball. Battier, who was part of the national championship team in 2001, summed it up in one word: competition.
After Duke’s exhilarating 84-78 victory over No. 2 Auburn at Cameron Indoor Stadium this past Wednesday, Scheyer reinforced this theme. He believes that competition and toughness are core to Duke’s identity, countering any external misconceptions about the program.
Despite recent losses to Kentucky and Kansas, Scheyer expressed confidence in his team’s potential. The Blue Devils, now with a record of 6-2, exhibited a fierce competitive spirit that had been cultivated through a demanding summer training regimen, where ten newcomers joined the team and helped instill a culture of resilience.
Associate head coach Chris Carrawell noted a significant increase in practice intensity this year, while assistant coach Emanuel Dildy shared that Scheyer implemented a “boot camp” segment called “the finisher” to reinforce teamwork and shared challenges. These rigorous practices prepared the players for tough matchups, which proved essential against a challenging Auburn team.
The Blue Devils faced adversity early in the game as Auburn surged to an 11-point lead, causing Scheyer to call a timeout. However, Duke responded fiercely with a 24-11 run to take control. They dominated the rest of the first half and maintained the lead throughout the second half, showcasing a determination not always visible in previous close games.
Players like Cooper Flagg, Sion James, and Isaiah Evans played pivotal roles in the team’s energetic performance. Evans distinguished himself particularly with his six three-pointers in just the first half, while emphasizing the importance of defense and rebounding as keys to his playing time. His summer experiences against skilled teammates helped him develop the confidence needed to excel.
Both Flagg and James highlighted how their rigorous summer training fostered a toughness that was vital in their win against Auburn. The match saw Duke responding effectively to Auburn’s comeback attempts, ultimately demonstrating the grit and resilience they have been working on relentlessly.
As Duke progresses this season, the hope is that their competitive spirit and commitment to toughness will continue to flourish, propelling them towards future successes. The Blue Devils’ current trajectory under Scheyer suggests a bright future as they harness their hard-earned lessons from both victories and setbacks.
This victory not only boosts the team’s confidence but serves as a strong reminder of their competitive edge, setting a hopeful tone for the remainder of the season.