“The Cultural Shift Is Real” — Why Jon Scheyer’s Summer Practices Remind Us of Duke’s Magnificent Times… It Was Noticed by Former Players. The Recruits Are Speaking.

When Jon Scheyer took over as Duke’s head coach in 2022, the expectations were sky-high. After all, he wasn’t just any new coach—he was a Duke legend himself, a star player under Mike Krzyzewski, and someone who had been an assistant coach with the Blue Devils for years. Many wondered if Scheyer could bring back the magic that Duke basketball once had, the magic of multiple championships, fierce competitiveness, and an elite culture that made Duke a perennial powerhouse.

Fast forward a year and a half, and it’s clear something special is happening. From the very first summer practices under Scheyer’s leadership, there’s been a palpable shift in the program’s culture—one that former Duke players are quick to notice and praise, and recruits are eager to join. This cultural shift isn’t just a change in routine or drills; it’s a return to the core values and competitive spirit that defined Duke during its magnificent times.

To appreciate the significance of what’s unfolding under Scheyer, it’s important to understand the legendary culture Duke basketball built over decades. Under Coach K, Duke wasn’t just a team; it was a brotherhood, a standard of excellence, a machine fueled by relentless work ethic and high basketball IQ. That culture produced multiple national championships, countless NBA stars, and a reputation as one of the most respected programs in the country.

That culture was about more than winning games. It was about discipline, resilience, accountability, and an unyielding desire to be the best—not just on the court but in every aspect of life. The blue-collar mentality met with high-level skill development, and players bought into the system fully. Summer workouts were grueling, demanding, and transformative. They forged mental toughness as much as physical strength.

When Scheyer stepped in as head coach, many wondered if he would deviate from the blueprint laid by Coach K or try to craft a new identity. The answer, it seems, is that Scheyer is embracing the foundation while injecting his own energy and vision.

His summer practices have become a focal point for this cultural revival. What stands out is the intensity and detail, the way every drill is purposeful, and the high expectations for players’ effort and focus. It’s a culture where no one is allowed to coast, and where competition for playing time is fierce but fair.

Perhaps the strongest testament to this cultural shift is the reaction from Duke alumni who played during the program’s golden eras.

Kyrie Irving, a former Duke star and NBA superstar, recently remarked in an interview how Scheyer’s approach reminded him of the best practices under Coach K. He talked about the energy, the attention to fundamentals, and the mental toughness being built early in the summer. “It’s clear these guys are putting in the work. It feels like the Duke I knew—intense, demanding, but supportive,” Irving said.

J.J. Redick, known for his relentless work ethic, also expressed optimism about the new culture. Redick highlighted how the players seemed invested in building chemistry and holding each other accountable during summer sessions. “It’s all about trust and toughness, and you can see Scheyer fostering that from day one,” he added.

These endorsements are not just nostalgic comments. They reflect a recognition that the cultural DNA of Duke basketball is alive and well.

While former players praise the culture, the most significant indicator of Scheyer’s impact is the reaction from Duke’s incoming recruits.

For years, Duke was a top destination for blue-chip talent, but recent seasons saw a dip in recruiting rankings and some top prospects choosing other programs. The trend appears to be reversing.

2025 five-star recruit Marcus Taylor, who committed to Duke recently, cited the summer practice environment as a key factor in his decision. “I saw the videos and heard from guys in the program about how hard they’re working even before the season starts. That kind of culture makes me excited to be a part of something special,” Taylor said.

Other recruits echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a coach who understands what it takes to win at Duke. They want to be part of a team where the culture demands excellence and pushes every player to be their best.

Scheyer’s summer sessions are not just about conditioning. They are about building character, mental toughness, and team cohesion. Here are some key elements that set these practices apart:

There is no easing into the season. From the very first day, players are pushed hard. Former players mention how this intensity builds respect and prepares players for the grind of the college basketball season.

Despite the athleticism on the roster, Scheyer emphasizes perfecting the basics—shooting mechanics, footwork, defensive positioning. This return to fundamentals is a hallmark of great Duke teams.

Players are held accountable for their effort and performance in every drill. Competition is encouraged, but it’s respectful and designed to lift everyone’s game.

Scheyer’s practices include elements of mental training—visualization, focus drills, and leadership development. This holistic approach prepares players not just physically but mentally for challenges.

Team-building exercises and open communication are part of the regimen. Players bond off the court as much as on it, forging the brotherhood that’s so important to Duke’s identity.

While it’s still early days, the impact of this cultural shift is becoming evident on the court.

Duke’s early-season performances show a team playing with confidence, toughness, and cohesion. The players are better conditioned, more disciplined, and exhibit a desire to win that many observers had questioned in recent years.

Moreover, the improvement isn’t just physical but mental. Players are more composed in clutch moments, communicate better, and display a resilience that comes from having been tested in grueling summer practices.

The shift goes beyond just the current roster. It affects how Duke is perceived nationally, how recruits view the program, and how alumni engage with the team.

• Alumni Engagement: Former players feel reconnected with the program, boosting morale and support.
• Recruiting Pipeline: As recruits witness the culture firsthand, Duke can attract the elite talent needed to compete for championships.
• Fan Enthusiasm: A renewed cultural identity energizes the fan base and creates excitement around the program.

Sustaining this cultural shift will be key to Duke’s future success. Scheyer’s challenge is to keep the intensity, accountability, and team-first mentality alive year after year.

If the summer practices are any indication, Scheyer understands this. He’s building a foundation not just for one great season but for sustained excellence.

Jon Scheyer’s first summer practices as Duke’s head coach have done more than just prepare the team physically; they have reignited a culture reminiscent of Duke’s most magnificent times. Former players are noticing, recruits are responding, and the entire Duke basketball ecosystem is buzzing with optimism.

The cultural shift is real. It’s purposeful, deep, and driven by a coach who understands the legacy he’s inheriting and the future he wants to build. For Duke fans, players, and recruits, that is a reason to believe in brighter days ahead.