Jon Scheyer
Jonathan James Scheyer (born August 24, 1987) is an American basketball coach and former player who serves as the head coach of the Duke University men's basketball team.[1][2] A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Scheyer rose to prominence as a high school star at Glenbrook North High School, where he became the fourth-leading scorer in Illinois history with 3,034 points, won a state championship in 2005, and earned Illinois Mr. Basketball honors in 2006 as a McDonald's All-American.[1][3] Scheyer played college basketball for Duke from 2006 to 2010, appearing in 144 games while averaging 14.4 points per game and shooting over 38% from three-point range.[4][3] As a senior captain and All-American, he helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2010 NCAA national championship, earning first-team All-ACC honors.[3] After graduating with a B.A. in history, Scheyer briefly pursued a professional career, playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League (2010–11), followed by two seasons overseas with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel (2011–12) and Gran Canaria in Spain (2012–13), before returning to the U.S.[2][3][2] In 2013, Scheyer rejoined Duke as a special assistant, advancing to assistant coach in 2014 and associate head coach in 2018 under Mike Krzyzewski.[3] Named the 20th head coach in program history on June 4, 2021, Scheyer has compiled a 124–26 record through his first four seasons (as of November 2025), including ACC regular-season and tournament championships in 2023 and 2025, and a Final Four appearance in 2025 with a 35–4 campaign that ended ranked No. 3 in the AP poll.[2][5][6] Scheyer, whose father Jim is president of MCS Industries and who has two sisters, married Marcelle Provencial in May 2017; the couple has three children: Noa (born 2018), Jett (born 2019), and James (born 2022).[1][7] In October 2025, Duke extended his contract through the 2030–31 season.[5]Early years
Early life
Jon Scheyer was born on August 24, 1987, in Northbrook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.[1] He is the youngest of three children born to Jim and Laury Scheyer, with two older sisters.[1] His father, Jim, serves as the president of MCS Industries, Inc.[1] Scheyer was raised in a supportive Jewish household, where his family's emphasis on values like perseverance and community played a key role in his early development.[8] Scheyer's passion for basketball emerged at a young age; his parents recall him beginning to dribble a basketball when he was just three years old.[9] He started formal involvement through local youth programs in the Chicago area, including the Fellowship of Afro-American Men (FAAM) basketball league in Evanston, Illinois, where he honed his skills alongside diverse teammates.[10] Recognized as a prodigy early on, Scheyer received a scholarship offer from Marquette University coach Tom Crean while in the eighth grade, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport from a young age.[11]High school career
Scheyer attended Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois, from 2002 to 2006, where he emerged as one of the state's premier basketball talents. Over his four-year career, he tallied 3,034 points, ranking fourth in Illinois high school history at the time. A three-time All-State selection, Scheyer demonstrated exceptional scoring and playmaking ability, highlighted by a career average of 23.7 points per game. As a junior in the 2004–05 season, Scheyer captained the Spartans to the IHSA Class AA state championship, their first title since 1983. The team finished 32–2 and went 3–0 in the state tournament, culminating in a 63–51 victory over Carbondale in the final at Carver Arena in Peoria, where Scheyer scored 27 points. Glenbrook North made three Downstate appearances during his tenure, securing the 2005 title and a third-place finish in 2003. The team also advanced to state in 2006, losing in the quarterfinals. In his senior year of 2005–06, Scheyer elevated his performance, averaging 32 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game while leading the team to a 29–2 record. Notable games included a 52-point outburst against Proviso West, during which he scored 21 points in just 75 seconds, and 48 points versus Waukegan in the supersectional. His dominance earned him McDonald's All-American honors and the 2006 Mr. Basketball of Illinois award. As a top national recruit ranked No. 28 in the class of 2006, Scheyer committed to Duke University on May 18, 2005, selecting the Blue Devils over other elite programs including Illinois and Purdue after being heavily pursued by coach Mike Krzyzewski.College career
2006–07 season
As a freshman during the 2006–07 season, Jon Scheyer joined a Duke team under head coach Mike Krzyzewski that featured a young roster lacking seniors and dealing with injuries, yet he quickly earned a starting role as a guard. Scheyer started all 33 games, providing consistent scoring and playmaking while adjusting to the rigors of ACC competition. His high school scoring prowess from Glenbrook North, where he averaged over 25 points per game, translated to an immediate impact at the college level.[12][13] Scheyer averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 39.8% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. Operating primarily as a combo guard capable of handling the ball and creating off the dribble, he complemented fellow freshman Gerald Henderson, who contributed as a developing wing scorer. Scheyer's efficiency and decision-making helped stabilize the backcourt, earning him ACC Rookie of the Week honors after strong early performances.[13][14][15] In ACC play, Scheyer delivered key scoring outbursts, including a career-high 26 points in a February loss to North Carolina, showcasing his ability to penetrate and shoot under pressure. The Blue Devils finished 8–8 in conference play (tied for sixth), with Scheyer's steady contributions aiding wins against rivals like Virginia Tech. In the NCAA Tournament, Duke advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, defeating Belmont (71–60) and Minnesota (70–67 OT) before a 79–77 upset loss to VCU; Scheyer scored 11 and 13 points in the first two rounds, respectively, while learning to manage tournament intensity alongside teammates like Henderson.[16][17][18]2007–08 season
During his sophomore season, Scheyer transitioned to a primary bench role for the Duke Blue Devils, coming off the bench in 33 of his 34 appearances while starting just once. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, contributing significantly to the team's high-powered offense that ranked fourth nationally in scoring at 83.2 points per game. Scheyer shot 44.4% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range (47-of-121), demonstrating improved efficiency as a perimeter shooter and facilitator in limited starting minutes from his freshman year.[13][19] Scheyer delivered several standout performances, including a 17-point effort in Duke's 89-78 victory over rival North Carolina on February 6, where he added six rebounds, three assists, and three steals despite shooting 4-of-11 from the field. In the ACC Tournament, he averaged 15.5 points across two games, converting 15-of-16 free throws, as the Blue Devils advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Clemson. These contributions highlighted his growing reliability as a sixth man, providing scoring punch and defensive energy off the bench.[20][21] The Blue Devils finished the regular season 26-4 and 13-3 in ACC play, earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Belmont 71-70 in the first round before a 73-67 second-round loss to West Virginia. Scheyer's development emphasized enhanced playmaking and defensive contributions, with 1.4 steals per game, helping Duke maintain a balanced attack despite no major injuries affecting his availability during the campaign.[22][23]2008–09 season
During his junior season in 2008–09, Scheyer served as one of three team captains alongside seniors Greg Paulus and Gerald Henderson, a role announced by head coach Mike Krzyzewski prior to the year.[24] He started 35 of Duke's 37 games, averaging 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while helping the Blue Devils compile a 30–7 overall record and finish third in the ACC.[25] Scheyer's prior experience coming off the bench as a sophomore contributed to his growth as a vocal leader on the court.[24] Scheyer emerged as a key offensive contributor, particularly in the postseason, where he was named the ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player after averaging 21.7 points and 4.0 rebounds across three games to lead Duke to the conference championship.[26] In the tournament final against Florida State on March 15, 2009, he scored a game-high 29 points (6-of-10 FG, 13-of-15 FT) in a 79–69 victory.[27][28] Duke had earlier defeated Maryland in the quarterfinals (80–68, Scheyer with 22 points) before advancing past the Seminoles upset of North Carolina in the semifinals.[28] In the NCAA Tournament, the fifth-seeded Blue Devils advanced to the Sweet 16 with victories over Binghamton (86–72) and Texas (77–71) before falling to Villanova (77–54).[25] Scheyer's development into Duke's primary ball-handler was evident late in the regular season, including a career-high 30 points on 8-of-16 from the field in a 101–91 win over then-No. 8 Wake Forest on February 22, where he started at point guard for the second consecutive game.[29] This transition highlighted his ability to facilitate the offense while maintaining his perimeter scoring threat.2009–10 season
As a senior and co-captain alongside Lance Thomas, Scheyer started all 40 games for Duke during the 2009–10 season, averaging 18.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while leading the team in scoring and assists.[30][13] His performance from the point guard position helped Duke achieve a 35–5 overall record and a 13–3 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play.[31] Scheyer guided the Blue Devils to the ACC regular-season co-championship and the ACC Tournament title, earning recognition for his leadership in securing both conference honors.[32] In the NCAA Tournament, Duke advanced as the No. 1 seed in the West Region, defeating the eventual national champions with a 61–59 victory over Butler in the championship game, where Scheyer contributed 15 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 37 minutes.[33][34] A pivotal moment came in the Elite Eight against Baylor, where Scheyer scored 20 points on 5-of-10 three-point shooting, helping Duke secure a 78–71 win to reach the Final Four.[35] Throughout the season, he set the ACC single-season record for minutes played with 1,470, surpassing the previous mark held by Dennis Scott and reflecting his endurance as a floor general.[36][37]Career statistics and records
Scheyer's college career at Duke featured consistent contributions across four seasons, culminating in a national championship during his senior year in 2009–10. Over 144 games, with 108 starts, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while playing 33.1 minutes per contest. His shooting efficiency included a 40.6% field goal percentage, 38.0% from three-point range on 297 makes, and an 86.1% free throw rate on 608 attempts.[13] The following table summarizes Scheyer's per-game statistics by season:| Season | Games | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07 | 33 | 33.7 | 12.2 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 1.2 | .398 | .365 | .846 |
| 2007–08 | 34 | 28.3 | 11.7 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 1.4 | .444 | .388 | .889 |
| 2008–09 | 37 | 32.8 | 14.9 | 3.6 | 2.8 | 1.6 | .397 | .385 | .836 |
| 2009–10 | 40 | 36.8 | 18.2 | 3.6 | 4.9 | 1.6 | .399 | .383 | .878 |
| Career | 144 | 33.1 | 14.4 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 1.4 | .406 | .380 | .861 |
Professional career
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2010–11)
After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA draft, Scheyer joined the Miami Heat's summer league roster. During a July 13, 2010, game against the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas, he suffered a severe right eye injury when accidentally poked by Joe Ingles, resulting in a retinal tear, traumatic optic nerve avulsion, and legal blindness in that eye. The injury, described by doctors as a one-in-a-million accident, required surgery and extended recovery, severely impacting his vision and defensive capabilities due to reduced peripheral sight. Following several months of rehabilitation, Scheyer signed with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, on February 17, 2011. He wore protective goggles during games to safeguard the injured eye. In 16 regular-season appearances, Scheyer averaged 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33.9 minutes per game, though his performance was constrained by ongoing vision limitations and the late-season entry. The Vipers advanced to the playoffs, where Scheyer started all six postseason games, contributing steadily before the team's elimination in the finals against the Iowa Energy. Scheyer's D-League stint concluded after the 2010–11 season, prompting his decision to seek professional opportunities overseas. His senior year at Duke, marked by a dip in scoring efficiency amid team transitions, had contributed to his undrafted status.Maccabi Tel Aviv (2011–12)
In June 2011, Scheyer signed a two-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli Super League and EuroLeague, valued at a reported $450,000, marking his first professional stint overseas following recovery from an eye injury sustained during the 2010 NBA Summer League while with the Miami Heat. As a point guard, Scheyer adapted to the high-intensity European style of play, leveraging his college experience at Duke to contribute in multiple competitions despite ongoing recovery challenges that limited his minutes. During the 2011–12 season, Scheyer appeared in 23 games across the Israeli Super League, Adriatic League, EuroLeague, and Israeli State Cup, averaging 10.5 minutes, 2.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game while shooting 35.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. In the EuroLeague specifically, he played 7 games off the bench for 4.9 minutes each, scoring 0.9 points per game with no assists. His role was primarily as a reserve guard, providing perimeter shooting and defensive energy in a deep backcourt rotation that included players like Jordan Farmar and Guy Pnini. In the Israeli Super League regular season, he logged 17 games for 10.9 minutes per outing, averaging 2.5 points, 0.7 assists, and 0.9 rebounds, with his season-high of 12 points coming against Elitzur Ashkelon. Scheyer's contributions helped Maccabi Tel Aviv secure the Israeli State Cup in February 2012, defeating Maccabi Rishon LeZion 82–69 in the final for their 39th title in the competition. The team also clinched the Israeli Super League championship later that season, overcoming Maccabi Ashdod 83–63 in the finals to claim their 50th league crown, though Scheyer departed the squad in March amid limited playing time. His time with Maccabi provided valuable exposure to elite European basketball, including the EuroLeague's Top 16 stage, where the team advanced before falling to Olympiacos in the quarterfinals 2–3.[39]Gran Canaria (2012–13)
In August 2012, Scheyer signed a one-year contract with CB Gran Canaria of Spain's Liga ACB. Following his championship experience with Maccabi Tel Aviv the previous season, he joined a team aiming to build on a solid domestic foundation. During the 2012–13 season, Scheyer appeared in 30 regular-season games for Gran Canaria, averaging 5.6 points and 2.0 assists in 20.5 minutes per game while shooting 31.3 percent from the field. The team compiled a 19–15 regular-season record, securing a spot in the Liga ACB playoffs, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Valencia Basket. Scheyer's performance showed inconsistency, influenced by lingering effects from a severe 2010 eye injury that had impaired his vision and previously halted his NBA aspirations. On April 26, 2013, Scheyer announced his retirement from professional basketball at age 25 to return to Duke University as a special assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski, effectively ending his playing career after the regular season.Coaching career
Assistant roles at Duke (2013–2022)
Following the departure of assistant coach Chris Collins to Northwestern in April 2013, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski hired Scheyer as a special assistant for the 2013–14 season, marking his return to the program after a brief professional playing career overseas. In this initial role, Scheyer focused on administrative duties and support for the coaching staff, leveraging his firsthand knowledge of Duke's system from his playing days.[40] Scheyer was promoted to full assistant coach on April 18, 2014, alongside the elevation of Jeff Capel to associate head coach, allowing him to take on more direct involvement in team operations.[41] His responsibilities expanded to include recruiting top talent—such as serving as the lead recruiter for Zion Williamson, the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick in 2019—player development, where he contributed to the growth of stars like Tyus Jones, and scouting opponents. These efforts helped Duke assemble elite classes and maintain competitive edges in the ACC.[44] On March 27, 2018, Scheyer was further promoted to associate head coach, sharing the title with Nate James and positioning him as a key deputy to Krzyzewski.[45] In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in Duke's Final Four appearances in 2015 and 2022, contributing to strategic planning and in-game decisions during those postseason runs.[2] Under Krzyzewski's mentorship, Scheyer was groomed for future leadership, absorbing lessons on program management and culture-building while helping secure five ACC regular-season titles (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022).[46][47]2022–23 season
In April 2022, following Mike Krzyzewski's retirement after the 2021–22 season, Jon Scheyer officially assumed the role of head coach at Duke University, having been designated as Krzyzewski's successor in June 2021.[48] Scheyer inherited a roster blending returning players like guards Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor with a highly touted freshman class, including center Dereck Lively II, a top-10 national recruit known for his rim protection and athleticism.[49] Lively II quickly emerged as a defensive anchor, earning ACC All-Freshman Team honors while averaging 5.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, helping stabilize the frontcourt during the transition from Krzyzewski's era.[49] The Blue Devils finished the regular season with a 27–9 overall record and 14–6 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, securing third place in the ACC standings.[50] Notable victories included an 81–72 non-conference win over then-No. 25 Ohio State and a 68–66 regular-season triumph against then-No. 17 Miami, showcasing Scheyer's ability to integrate young talent into competitive matchups.[51] In the ACC Tournament, seeded fourth, Duke advanced to the championship game with wins over Pittsburgh (96–85), Miami (85–78 OT, against the No. 14-ranked team), and Virginia (68–63), capturing the title—the program's 22nd and the first for a first-year head coach in conference history.[51][52] As the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament's East Region, Duke opened with a 74–51 first-round victory over No. 12 Oral Roberts before falling 65–52 in the Round of 32 to No. 4 Tennessee, ending their postseason run.[51] Scheyer's inaugural season emphasized a high-pace offense combined with stout defense, ranking the team 12th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and 25th in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom metrics, marking a smooth adaptation to his leadership post-Krzyzewski. This approach highlighted player development and schematic adjustments, setting the foundation for Duke's continued competitiveness in the ACC.2023–24 season
In his second season as head coach, Jon Scheyer guided the Duke Blue Devils to a 27–9 overall record and 15–5 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, securing second place in the regular-season standings.[53] The team featured standout contributions from freshman guard Jared McCain, who averaged 14.3 points per game while shooting 41.4% from three-point range, and sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski, who led the Blue Devils in scoring (16.4 points per game) and rebounding (8.3 per game).[54][55] Building on the ACC Tournament title from the 2022–23 season, Duke earned a first-round bye in the 2024 ACC Tournament as the No. 2 seed but fell to North Carolina State 58–67 in the semifinals.[56] The Blue Devils emphasized perimeter shooting, ranking ninth nationally in three-point field goal percentage at 38.7%, which fueled key victories including a 74–69 upset over No. 10 Baylor on November 22, 2023, and a narrow 54–51 win against top-seeded Houston in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 on March 29, 2024.[57][58][59] As the No. 4 seed in the South Region of the 2023–24 NCAA Tournament, Duke advanced to the Elite Eight with dominant second-round (93–55 over James Madison) and Sweet 16 triumphs before suffering a 64–76 defeat to No. 11 seed NC State.[53][60] The postseason run was hampered by injuries, including season-long absences for guard Jeremy Roach (thumb) and forward Mark Mitchell (knee), as well as freshman Caleb Foster's ankle injury that sidelined him for the tournament.[61] In the Elite Eight loss to NC State, forward Kyle Filipowski aggravated an ankle injury early in the first half, limiting his effectiveness, while the Blue Devils committed 15 turnovers compared to the Wolfpack's eight.[62][63] Despite these setbacks, Scheyer's squad finished ninth in the final AP Poll, demonstrating program stability and growth.[53]2024–25 season
The 2024–25 season marked Jon Scheyer's third year as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team, featuring the program's top-ranked recruiting class headlined by consensus No. 1 prospect Cooper Flagg. The freshmen class, including Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Isaiah Evans, contributed significantly to Duke's offensive and defensive prowess, with Flagg earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.[64] Bolstered by returning stars like Jared McCain and freshmen depth, the Blue Devils posted a dominant regular season, finishing with a 35–4 overall record and 19–1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play to claim the outright regular-season title.[65] Duke's non-conference slate included marquee victories over No. 2 Arizona (69–55) and No. 5 Auburn (84–78), though early losses to Kentucky and Kansas tested the young roster.[65] In conference play, the Blue Devils went unbeaten at home and limited opponents to an average of 58.8 points per game, ranking 14th nationally in scoring defense.[66] Scheyer's emphasis on versatile defense and transition scoring led to a 16-game winning streak bridging December and March, culminating in the outright ACC regular-season championship—the program's 21st. The Blue Devils entered the ACC Tournament as the top seed and swept through the bracket, defeating Georgia Tech (78–70) in the quarterfinals, North Carolina (74–71) in the semifinals, and Louisville (73–62) in the final to secure their second tournament title under Scheyer's tenure. As a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Duke advanced to Scheyer's first Final Four as head coach, building on the previous season's Elite Eight appearance. The run featured decisive wins over Mount St. Mary's (93–49) in the first round, Baylor (89–66) in the second round, Arizona (100–93) in the Sweet 16, and Alabama (85–65) in the Elite Eight. The season ended in the Final Four semifinals with a 70–67 upset loss to Houston, finishing third in the final AP Poll. This campaign solidified Scheyer's record at the time and earned the team the ACC Championship trophy.2025–26 season
Scheyer's fourth season began with a highly anticipated roster featuring new five-star recruits like forward Cameron Boozer and continued emphasis on young talent development. As of November 16, 2025, Duke stands at 5–0 overall (0–0 ACC), with dominant non-conference wins including 75–60 over Texas (November 4), 95–54 over Western Carolina (November 8), 114–59 over Army (November 11), 86–35 over Wofford (November 16), and an earlier exhibition or tune-up victory. The team has showcased strong offensive output, averaging over 90 points per game early, while maintaining defensive intensity.[67]Head coaching record
Jon Scheyer's head coaching record at Duke University stands at 94–22 overall (.810 winning percentage) as of November 16, 2025. In Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, including regular season and tournament games, his teams compiled a 54–13 mark through the end of the 2024–25 season, with the 2025–26 season ongoing. Duke advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of Scheyer's first three seasons, posting an 8–3 record across those appearances.[4] The following table summarizes Scheyer's season-by-season head coaching records at Duke:| Season | Overall | ACC Regular Season | ACC Tournament | NCAA Tournament | Final AP Poll Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 27–9 | 14–6 (T–3rd) | Champion (3–0) | Second Round (1–1) | No. 12 |
| 2023–24 | 27–9 | 15–5 (2nd) | Semifinals (1–1) | Elite Eight (3–1) | No. 9 |
| 2024–25 | 35–4 | 19–1 (1st) | Champion (3–0) | Final Four (4–1) | No. 3 |
| 2025–26 | 5–0 | 0–0 | — | ||
| Total | 94–22 | 48–12 | 7–1 | 8–3 | — |