Duke's basketball team is riding high at the top of the college basketball world, boasting a stellar 26-2 record after their recent victory over Michigan. With this momentum, they're on a strong path to securing the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, aiming to clinch their first national title in over a decade.
However, the buzz around Jon Scheyer, Duke's head coach, for National Coach of the Year is surprisingly muted. It's true that the award often goes to coaches who exceed expectations dramatically, which can be a tall order for a powerhouse like Duke. Yet, given how the Blue Devils have outperformed their preseason predictions, Scheyer’s achievements deserve recognition.
Historically, even Mike Krzyzewski, who won the Naismith Coach of the Year three times, didn't receive the award after 1999 despite adding three more national championships to his name.
Coming into this season, Duke was armed with the No. 1 recruiting class, setting high expectations. But they’ve surpassed those, especially after losing two Top 10 picks from last season's Final Four squad-Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach. Initially ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll, Duke has maintained their elite performance, matching last year’s KenPom rankings.
ESPN's Jeff Borzello noted that Scheyer isn't getting the credit he deserves: "Jon Scheyer isn't getting enough credit for the coaching job he's done this season, with limited buzz for National Coach of the Year honors. Sure, it's Duke, and he has the best player in the country headlining the No. 1 recruiting class.
But the Blue Devils are the No. 1 team with just two losses all season, with both coming in the final seconds. They were picked outside the top five in the preseason.
They aren't nearly as talented as last year's roster yet are on track to be the No. 1 overall seed on Selection Sunday -- something last year's team didn't accomplish."
Interestingly, Borzello himself ranked Scheyer only No. 10 in his Coach of the Year power rankings earlier in the season, despite Duke's impressive 21-1 record at that point. However, the landscape has shifted. Coaches like Mark Byington, Bill Self, and Tom Izzo have faced setbacks, potentially altering their standing.
Currently, only Fred Hoiberg of Nebraska and Travis Steele of Miami, OH, seem to be in the running with Scheyer. This isn’t to downplay the efforts of other coaches, but rather to highlight Scheyer’s exceptional leadership this season.
Scheyer has cultivated a team that’s fully committed and understands what it takes to win it all. While a national championship would mean the world to him, the recognition of his coaching prowess is equally deserved.