Four years ago, Duke’s administration and legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski began planning for his eventual retirement, aiming for a smooth transition that would uphold the program’s elite standards. Their vision has come to life this weekend in San Antonio, where Jon Scheyer, a direct product of Krzyzewski’s coaching legacy, leads the Blue Devils into the Final Four.
With all No. 1 seeds in the Final Four—only the second time in NCAA Tournament history—Duke (35-3) enters as the nation’s top-ranked team. Led by national player of the year contender Cooper Flagg, the team boasts depth and talent. Before Krzyzewski’s arrival in 1980, Vic Bubas and Bill Foster had taken Duke to the Final Four. Now, Scheyer has accomplished the feat following Krzyzewski’s departure.
As Krzyzewski and his wife, Mickie, prepare to watch Duke chase its sixth NCAA title—and its first without him—he is filled with pride. Speaking with The News & Observer, he praised Scheyer’s ability to form his own coaching philosophy rather than simply replicate others.
Scheyer, who will lead Duke against Houston on Saturday, has compiled an impressive 89-21 record over three seasons, securing two ACC Tournament titles and a dominant 19-1 ACC regular-season record this year. Now 37, he has further cemented Duke’s national standing.
Krzyzewski, who retired in 2022 with an NCAA-record 1,202 career wins, ensured a seamless transition by having Scheyer work alongside him during his final season. That mentorship meant everything to Scheyer, who deeply values Krzyzewski’s commitment to Duke’s long-term success.
“I don’t know how many coaches genuinely want to see their program thrive after they leave,” Scheyer said. “I’ve always wanted to make him proud. His legacy isn’t just about wins—it’s about keeping Duke at the top, and that’s something we’ve talked about a lot.”
Duke remains a powerhouse, potentially the strongest program in college basketball this season. With two more wins in San Antonio, the Blue Devils would achieve 37 victories, matching Krzyzewski’s historic 1998-99 squad.
Krzyzewski watched as Scheyer expertly rebuilt the roster, securing the No. 1 recruiting class and adding experienced transfers after NBA departures and transfers depleted the lineup. Players like Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell found success at other programs, but Scheyer replaced them with key additions such as Sion James, Mason Gillis, and Maliq Brown.
“He’s recruited not just great players, but great people who want to be part of something bigger,” Krzyzewski said.
Flagg and freshman Kon Knueppel have played a pivotal role, forming a formidable duo, while veteran Tyrese Proctor has embraced his leadership role. The team’s chemistry and unselfishness, especially from Flagg, have set them apart.
Krzyzewski, now 78, still occupies his former office at Duke and remains close with Scheyer. “I’m not just happy for him—I’m proud of him. He’s terrific.”
