BREAKING NEWS: Duke Coach Jon Scheyer Breaks Silence on Final Possession Against Kansas, Reflects on What He Wanted
In his first public comments since Duke’s heartbreaking loss to Kansas, Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer opened up about the final possession of the game, which ultimately sealed his team’s 71-69 defeat in the highly anticipated showdown between two college basketball powerhouses.
With just seconds remaining on the clock and the score tied at 69, Duke had possession and the chance to win the game. The ball was in the hands of sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor, who was poised to make a play. However, despite a solid screen set by freshman sensation Caleb Foster, Proctor’s attempt to create space for a potential game-winning shot was disrupted by Kansas’ defense. The Blue Devils’ offensive execution faltered, leading to a rushed contested shot that missed, and the Jayhawks capitalized with a buzzer-beater from Jalen Wilson to claim the victory.
Speaking candidly for the first time since the game, Coach Scheyer, who has been known for his composed demeanor and attention to detail, broke down the final moments of the game and shared what he hoped to see on that final possession.
“I think we were in a good position with the way we were running our offense and how the game had unfolded up to that point,” Scheyer began, his voice steady but tinged with frustration. “Tyrese [Proctor] had been playing extremely well, and Caleb [Foster] set a great screen. But Kansas is a championship-level team, and they weren’t going to make it easy. We wanted to get Tyrese a clean look, ideally, with enough space to either get a good shot off or set up someone else if the defense collapsed.”
Scheyer emphasized that while the play was intended for a clean look at the basket, the defense from Kansas forced Proctor into an uncomfortable situation. “We wanted to use the clock and give ourselves a chance to win with a good shot. But Kansas did a great job of closing out on Tyrese and taking away the space we needed,” he explained.
Despite the disappointment of losing in such a dramatic fashion, Scheyer praised his players for their resilience and poise throughout the game. “We had multiple chances to win that game, and while the last possession didn’t go as planned, I’m proud of the fight we showed, especially with how we handled the intensity of the environment. Kansas is a tough, experienced team, and we were right there with them. That’s something we can take away from this loss.”
Scheyer also noted that he and his staff will go back to the drawing board, using this loss as a teaching moment for both the players and himself. “At the end of the day, it’s a learning experience. We’ll look at what we could’ve done better, whether it’s executing that final possession or other moments throughout the game,” Scheyer said. “There’s a lot of growth to come from this. We’ll be better prepared the next time we find ourselves in that situation.”
Despite the loss, Duke remains a top contender in the NCAA tournament picture, and Coach Scheyer’s message to his players was one of optimism. “This team has the talent, the heart, and the potential to do something special. We’ve got a long season ahead, and this one game, while tough, is just part of the journey.”
Looking ahead, Duke’s next game is against a rival ACC team, and Scheyer is focused on ensuring his players move forward with the right mindset. “We’ll get back to work, keep improving, and be ready for the next opportunity. That’s all we can do.”
As for the Blue Devils, Coach Scheyer’s reflections on the final possession against Kansas highlight his belief in his players’ abilities and the lessons that can be drawn from such a close contest. With his leadership, Duke will likely continue to grow from this tough loss, as they prepare for the challenges ahead in their quest for a national title.