Duke University announced a significant addition to its basketball leadership staff, naming former NBA player and current head coach Jon Scheyer’s new assistants. The school revealed that KJ Conklin will join as assistant coach and that Alexander Powell will serve as executive director of basketball, a move that blends on‑court development with data‑driven management.
A Blend of NBA Experience and Analytical Expertise
Conklin arrives after a varied coaching career that spans the NBA G League, Division I programs, and a junior college, where he refined his approach to player development. His most recent positions include director of player development for the University of Texas and assistant coach and director of player development for the Austin Spurs, the G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. An internship with Pure Sweat Basketball placed him alongside NBA stars such as Jayson Tatum and RJ Barrett, further sharpening his player‑focused skill set.
Powell brings eight years of NBA experience in analytics and basketball operations. He spent six seasons with the Charlotte Hornets building their analytics department before moving to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he directed basketball innovation. Powell holds a Master of Data Science from Northwestern University and a mathematics degree from Kenyon College, where he was a standout player, giving him a rare blend of statistical rigor and on‑court insight.
Strategic Impact for Duke’s Future
The appointments are expected to deepen Duke’s capacity to blend traditional coaching with cutting‑edge analytics, a combination that Scheyer says will help the program stay competitive in an increasingly sophisticated basketball landscape. Both Conklin and Powell are slated to begin their roles this summer, bringing fresh perspectives that could influence recruiting, player conditioning, and game strategy. The hires also highlight Duke’s continued investment in its basketball ecosystem, linking the university with partner institutions such as the University of Texas, Illinois State University, Northwestern University, and Kenyon College through shared expertise and collaborative research.