After Duke’s decisive 100-58 win over Army on Friday, men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer held a post-game press conference where he reflected on the team’s strong opening performance and the potential he sees for the season ahead.
Scheyer opened by commending the Blue Devils’ offensive execution, highlighting the team’s quick transitions, effective ball movement, and balanced scoring. He pointed out that Duke’s offensive efficiency wasn’t limited to a few key players, as contributions came from both starters and the bench. The team’s depth, he explained, is crucial for maintaining momentum in challenging games and will be a major strength throughout the season. “It’s great to see everyone stepping up, contributing, and bringing energy on both ends of the floor,” Scheyer said.
The head coach also praised the defensive intensity that Duke displayed, which played a significant role in containing Army’s scoring opportunities. Scheyer credited the team’s communication and discipline on defense, emphasizing that they were able to disrupt Army’s offense by pressuring the ball and effectively defending the perimeter. “Defense is a big focus for us this season,” Scheyer noted. “Our guys did a good job staying locked in and creating opportunities through stops.”
Scheyer didn’t shy away from discussing areas for improvement. Despite the high-scoring win, he pointed to moments where the team’s focus wavered, especially in the second half. “We had some stretches where we weren’t as sharp as we needed to be,” he said, underscoring the need for consistency across all four quarters. Scheyer emphasized that maintaining intensity, even with a lead, is something the team will work on in upcoming practices and games.
Looking ahead, Scheyer expressed optimism about the season, noting that while it’s still early, the team has shown promising cohesion and commitment to growth. He spoke highly of the players’ work ethic and focus, acknowledging that this group has the potential to be one of the most resilient teams Duke has fielded. “This win is a good start, but we have a long road ahead and a lot we can improve on,” he said.
Scheyer closed by emphasizing that each game is a stepping stone in the season’s journey, and the team is committed to building on this strong foundation. The focus, he said, is on sustained improvement, as Duke prepares to face tougher opponents and continue refining its approach on both ends of the court.
