As the college basketball season heats up, Duke's former stars are making headlines for reasons beyond their playing days. Jon Scheyer has Duke cruising with a stellar 26-2 record, positioning them as a favorite for the NCAA Tournament's top seed. But for fellow Duke alumni Bobby Hurley and Jeff Capel, the coaching journey has been rockier.
Bobby Hurley is in his 11th season at Arizona State, and the Sun Devils find themselves at 14-14, struggling at 5-10 in the Big 12. Despite leading ASU to the NCAA Tournament in 2017, 2018, and again in 2023, Hurley hasn't advanced past the first round. Now, with another potential tournament absence looming, Hurley’s future with Arizona State appears uncertain.
Jeff Capel's tenure at Pittsburgh has been similarly challenging. In his eighth season, the Panthers are 10-17, with only one tournament appearance since his arrival in 2023. A miraculous ACC Tournament run seems the only path to avoid missing the Big Dance again.
Both coaches face uncertain futures, with ESPN's Jeff Borzello suggesting neither is expected to return next season. Hurley’s contract is up, and whispers suggest he might find new opportunities closer to the Northeast. His coaching journey began with success at Buffalo, but sustaining that at Arizona State has proven elusive.
Capel's situation is more complex due to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, with a hefty buyout. His coaching career includes a notable stint at VCU and leading Oklahoma to the 2009 Elite Eight. After a return to Duke as an assistant under Mike Krzyzewski, Capel took the helm at Pitt, but consistent success has been hard to come by.
As the season concludes, the possibility of Capel returning to Duke in some capacity remains a tantalizing prospect, especially if Pitt decides to make a change. Both coaches, steeped in Duke's rich basketball tradition, face pivotal moments that could redefine their careers.