BREAKING NEWS: Duke Basketball Sends Heartbreaking Message to SMU Coach After Big Win Over SMU
Durham, NC — January 4, 2025
In an unexpected turn of events following Duke’s commanding victory over Southern Methodist University (SMU), the Duke basketball program has sent a deeply emotional message to SMU’s head coach, Rob Lanier, expressing their condolences and support. The message was made public just hours after the Blue Devils’ 89-75 win over the Mustangs in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup.
Duke’s dominant performance on the court was overshadowed by a powerful gesture from their athletic director and coach Jon Scheyer, who took the opportunity to reach out to Coach Lanier personally, offering heartfelt words of solidarity following a difficult personal loss.
“We know this win tonight doesn’t change the pain you’re feeling, but we want you to know that we stand with you, Rob,” read the message posted by Duke basketball on their official Twitter account. “Your strength, both on and off the court, continues to inspire everyone who knows you. Our thoughts are with you, your team, and your family during this incredibly tough time.”
The emotional note was sent after Lanier had confirmed in a post-game interview that he had been coping with a personal tragedy in his family, which had significantly affected him in recent days. While Lanier did not go into specifics about the nature of the loss, sources close to the situation have indicated that it was the passing of a close family member, which he had been keeping private.
In his own post-game remarks, Lanier expressed immense gratitude to his players and staff for rallying around him despite the overwhelming circumstances. He also thanked the Duke program for their kind gesture, acknowledging the deep respect he holds for the Blue Devils and their legendary coach, Mike Krzyzewski, under whom he had spent time as an assistant coach.
“Basketball has a unique way of bringing people together, and tonight, as much as it was about competing, it was about showing the strength of this community,” Lanier said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I want to thank Coach Scheyer and everyone at Duke for their message of support. It means more than I can put into words right now.”
The game itself was a high-intensity affair, with Duke’s standout guard, Jeremy Roach, leading the charge, scoring 27 points and adding six assists. The Blue Devils’ strong second half, where they outscored SMU 50-32, secured the victory, and the team celebrated as expected. However, it was the post-game exchanges between the two teams that drew the most attention.
After the final buzzer, the Duke players and coaches shared an extended moment of respect with the SMU team. Both teams gathered at half-court, offering words of encouragement and support to one another. It was clear that the emotional weight of the evening was felt by both sides, and the gesture was a reminder of the strong bonds that exist beyond the competitive nature of college basketball.
Duke’s support for Lanier came as a surprise to many, given the intense rivalry often present between elite programs. However, this act of kindness showed the character of the Duke program and the broader basketball community, where personal challenges sometimes transcend the fierce competition seen on the court.
As for Lanier, he vowed to continue leading his team through this difficult time, with the full support of his players and coaching staff. SMU is currently ranked in the middle of the American Athletic Conference standings, and despite this setback, the Mustangs will be looking to rally behind their coach as they head into the latter part of the season.
The powerful show of support between Duke and SMU stands as a reminder that, even in the world of college sports, there are moments that transcend the game and remind us all of the importance of community and solidarity in times of hardship.