A Coach’s Choice
The Dallas Mavericks, after parting ways with Jason Kidd, set out to replace the veteran coach ahead of the new NBA season. In their deliberations they considered Dusty May of the University of Michigan and Jon Scheyer, the head coach at Duke University, both of whom were seen as potential catalysts for a quick turnaround.
May accepted the Mavericks’ overture, but Scheyer, despite a wave of interest, chose to stay in North Carolina. According to ESPN, the decision was presented as a deliberate effort to build on a program that already boasts a top recruiting class and a strong foundation.
Scheyer’s ascent has been steep. He was a key member of Duke’s 2010 championship team, ranks among the school’s top ten scorers, and spent several years as an assistant to Mike Krzyzewski before taking over in 2022. Since then, his teams have posted a 124‑25 record, captured three ACC tournament titles, and reached the 2025 Final Four.
The roster he inherited includes standout players such as Cooper Flagg, Dereck Lively, and Kon Knueppel, who helped the Blue Devils make a deep run in the 2025 tournament. Analyst Shams Charania has highlighted the trio’s impact, noting that their presence has kept Duke at the forefront of college basketball.
While whispers of an eventual NBA move linger, Scheyer is presently focused on the upcoming 2026‑2027 season, which opens on Nov. 10 in Chicago, Illinois, United States, against Michigan State. The game will be played at the United Center, a venue that has hosted many marquee matchups over the years.