DURHAM – Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer has emphasized the importance of competition in defining the essence of Duke basketball, a sentiment echoed by former player Shane Battier during a conversation in the early days of Scheyer’s tenure as head coach. After Duke’s recent victory over No. 2 Auburn, Scheyer reiterated this philosophy, reflecting on the team’s culture of toughness that he’s been fostering since taking over from iconic coach Mike Krzyzewski.
In their 84-78 win against Auburn at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Blue Devils showcased their competitive spirit, overcoming an early 11-point deficit. Scheyer noted that when experiencing setbacks in previous games, such as losses to Kentucky and Kansas, he always believed in the potential of this team. With a roster featuring 10 newcomers, Scheyer and his staff have established a rigorous training regime designed to build grit and resilience.
Associate head coach Chris Carrawell remarked on the noticeable increase in practice intensity this season, while assistant coach Emanuel Dildy described their approach as a “boot camp” aimed at fostering a deep sense of competitiveness among the players. The team’s ability to handle adversity was put to the test against Auburn, and they responded remarkably well.
Key contributions came from players like Cooper Flagg, Sion James, and Isaiah Evans, who displayed both offensive skills and defensive toughness. Evans, who made an impressive six three-pointers in the first half, attributed his defensive progress to rigorous summer training sessions against his own teammates. He emphasized the importance of defense in earning playing time on this competitive team.
The physicality of the game was evident, with James referring to it as a “man’s game.” Duke consistently matched Auburn’s aggression, a feat acknowledged by Auburn’s coach Bruce Pearl, who noted that Duke played with greater physicality than his squad.
Duke faced multiple challenges as Auburn narrowed the gap to a single possession late in the game, but each time, the Blue Devils responded effectively, demonstrating the competitive spirit that Scheyer champions. Their victory over Auburn not only marked an important win but also served as a testament to the hard work and tenacity that characterize this year’s team.
As Duke continues to develop its identity in the competitive landscape of college basketball, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances fueled by a culture of hard work and resilience.
This victory reflects the progress made under Scheyer and serves as a positive indicator for the rest of the season, highlighting the potential for growth and success as the team embraces its competitive nature.