Jon Scheyer has once again positioned Duke as a formidable contender for the NCAA title, adding John Blackwell, a promising guard from the transfer portal. The Blue Devils, bolstered by Blackwell's impressive stats, are ranked No. 3 in the latest CBS Sports Preseason Top 25 and 1. Despite past criticisms regarding his inability to clinch a title despite strong rosters, Scheyer is optimistic about his team's future as he develops the talent around him.

By the Numbers
  • John Blackwell averaged 19.1 points and 3.9 rebounds last season for Wisconsin, shooting 38.9% from three-point range.
  • Duke finished the previous season with a record of 35-3 and advanced to the Elite Eight in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Yes, But

Critics point to Scheyer's history of high-caliber teams that have failed to secure a national title, emphasizing the pressure on him to convert his talent into championships.

State of Play
  • Duke ranks No. 3 in the Top 25 preseason rankings, following Florida and Michigan.
  • The Blue Devils return four of their top six scorers from last season and have a strong recruiting class, including Blackwell and five-star prospects.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Duke aims to leverage its strong roster and coaching strategies to finally break through and win a national championship, potentially silencing critics once and for all.

Bottom Line

Jon Scheyer is at a pivotal moment in his coaching career; with the right talent and guidance, he has the potential to transform Duke鈥檚 consistent close calls into a national title victory.