A Video Insight Into Duke’s Coaching Transition

Jon Scheyer won’t take over as head coach until next spring, but the transition in some ways is under way and it’s really interesting to watch.

Take, for instance, what Duke Basketball’s social media arm is doing.

This clip is really great. It’s Scheyer and Nolan Smith on their way to Peach Jam in Augusta and the tone is strikingly different.

Obviously we’re not knocking Mike Krzyzewski here, but even Coach K has mentioned at times that he’s a lot older than his players and that he has to be creative and find ways to connect to their world, at one point, learning and discussing some hip hop.

Just as obviously, connecting to younger players won’t be a problem for Scheyer and Smith, as both are fresh-faced young coaches themselves who won a national championship just 11 years ago.

And this video underscores that change subtly, but clearly, putting a focus on youth and dynamism. And the shot of the James Brown statue is a nice touch too.

On the one hand, Coach K sells himself, or rather, how Duke Basketball sells him. Look how many recent recruits have venerated him, calling him legendary. But youth has its selling points too, as we clearly see here. It’s easy to see how this vision of Duke is going to be appealing.