A Season to Remember — and a Heartbreaking Ending
“It’s been a special ride that ended in a heartbreaking way.”
That’s how Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer summed up this past season after the team’s tough exit from the NCAA tournament. Duke Basketball had been riding high all year, showing flashes of brilliance and building hopes for a national title. But their journey came to a loud and painful crash with a shocking 67-70 loss to the Houston Cougars in the Final Four.
Still, Scheyer saw the season differently. Instead of focusing on the bitter end, he praised his squad for their outstanding run, refusing to let a single loss define their story.
Rising Stars Shine Bright for Duke Basketball
With players like Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, Isaiah Evans, and Sion James leading the charge, it’s hard to argue. Duke Basketball looked dominant for much of the year, with Flagg and Proctor especially earning high praise from Scheyer after the tournament.
But now, as the NBA Draft inches closer, Duke faces another harsh reality: three of their key players are moving on to the professional ranks. And losing star talent isn’t the only challenge Jon Scheyer has to worry about right now.
National Analyst Sounds the Alarm for Jon Scheyer
On a recent episode of the Locked on College Basketball podcast, national analyst DeShaun Tate didn’t sugarcoat the situation. Speaking with host Isaac Schade, Tate warned that Duke Basketball could be in for a rough stretch if they don’t act fast. He pointed directly to the team’s growing roster uncertainty, especially with the recent drama surrounding top prospect Nate Ament.
Tate stressed that Jon Scheyer must lock down his incoming transfers and committed recruits before it’s too late. If not, the Duke Basketball roster could see a major reset heading into next season.
All Eyes on the Boozer Twins
Talking about Duke’s highly anticipated 2024 class, Tate had high praise for Cameron and Cayden Boozer — the talented twin brothers. He said, “I feel like they’re gonna have a bunch of guys who can make a case for themselves, but the Boozer twins are the only ones I feel overly confident about starting right away.”
That’s a lot of pressure to put on two freshmen, even ones as talented as the Boozer twins.
With the departure of three NBA-bound stars and shaky recruiting news, Duke Basketball is counting on the Boozers to step up in a big way next year. They’ll also be hoping to make a splash in the transfer portal — something that hasn’t gone exactly as planned so far.
Recruiting Woes Hit Duke Basketball Hard
Take the case of Nate Ament, for example. After previously committing to Duke, the 6’9″ power forward flipped his decision and chose Tennessee instead. His comments were telling: “I could have gone to any of the five finalists… Ultimately, I felt like [Tennessee] was the best place for me and my family, and the coaching staff was the best fit for me.”
It was a stinging loss for Duke Basketball, especially since the transfer portal was supposed to give them a second wind after the draft departures.
And Ament isn’t the only high-profile recruit who got away. Five-star prospect Shelton Henderson also decommitted from Duke this year and ended up with the Miami Hurricanes, influenced by former Blue Devils assistant Jai Lucas. Each departure adds more pressure onto Scheyer’s shoulders as he scrambles to keep Duke Basketball among the elite.
Is De-Commitment the New Normal?
It’s not just a Duke problem, either. Across college basketball, decommitments are becoming a growing trend. Players like Darius Adams (decommitted from UConn) and Caden Lewis (switched from Kentucky) are changing their minds more freely than ever.
Tate called it “the new normal,” especially among blue-blood programs like Duke Basketball.
According to him, today’s high school stars have more confidence — and more options — than previous generations. They’re quicker to walk away from commitments if they think there’s a better opportunity elsewhere, whether it’s for a better NIL deal, more playing time, or just a better vibe with the coaching staff.
The Shifting Mindset of Young Recruits
Tate also pointed out that many young players today have been so heavily recruited and shielded from real competition that they shy away from adversity. He said, “Sometimes we’re getting to that point where guys almost have an excuse now to duck competition by saying that guys were recruited over them… lacking the competitive edge to accept the responsibility that comes with committing to a place.”
Simply put, loyalty isn’t what it used to be, and programs like Duke Basketball are feeling the effects firsthand.
Can Jon Scheyer Lead Duke Basketball Through the Storm?
For Jon Scheyer, the task now is daunting. Not only does he have to rebuild a roster that can live up to Duke’s storied reputation, but he also needs to re-establish a culture that values commitment and resilience.
Fortunately, if anyone can do it, it’s Scheyer. Since taking over the reins from the legendary Coach K, he’s proven himself to be one of the brightest young coaches in the game. His leadership helped guide Duke Basketball to an ACC championship last season, and his deep understanding of the Duke culture gives him an edge that few can match.
Still, the road ahead won’t be easy. The pressure is mounting, and the spotlight is only getting brighter. Can Jon Scheyer rebuild the Duke Basketball dynasty in the new era of college hoops where loyalty is fleeting and the portal rules all?
Time will tell. But one thing is clear: the next chapter of Duke Basketball is already underway — and it’s shaping up to be one wild ride.