Duke Coach Scheyer Snubbed for ACC Coach of the Year Award

Durham, N.C. — Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer did not receive the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year award as many expected, with the honor going instead to Louisville‘s Pat Kelsey. The decision comes despite Scheyer leading the Blue Devils to an impressive 28-3 overall record and a remarkable 19-1 finish in ACC play.

Hugh Graine of FanSided expressed his disappointment over the voting results, explaining that Scheyer had exceeded the expectations set for his team this season. “Despite heavy preseason expectations for the Duke basketball program, where the team was ranked No. 7 in the preseason AP Poll and brought in the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the country, Scheyer has somehow exceeded expectations,” said Graine.

The Blue Devils are now focusing on securing a national championship, making this award seem less significant for Scheyer. Currently, they are favored to win the NCAA Tournament, with odds at +320, largely attributed to star player Cooper Flagg‘s performance.

In the debate surrounding Scheyer’s exclusion from the awards, some pointed to the historical context, noting how his predecessor, iconic coach Mike Krzyzewski, did not win the ACC Coach of the Year award in his last 22 seasons, despite winning three additional national titles.

In addition to Scheyer’s staggering record of 82-21 during his tenure, this season’s Blue Devils achieved a historic feat by recording 10 ACC wins by 25 or more points, something never before accomplished in the league’s history. Their +434 point differential in conference play is the highest such mark in 70 years, leading the nation.

Duke dominated the ACC in multiple statistical categories, including scoring offense, scoring defense, scoring margin, and field goal percentage. Their impressive performance has led to increased scrutiny over the Coach of the Year voting process, especially among the Blue Devils’ supporters who have taken to social media to voice their frustration.

Crucially, Scheyer’s squad finished the season leading the ACC in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio, contributing to the best adjusted offensive rating by an ACC team in three decades. The team has also recorded more 30-point wins (five) than games decided by single digits (three). Despite this dominant season, Kelsey’s leadership in turning around Louisville’s struggling program won him the coaches’ votes.

As Scheyer prepares his team for what they hope will be a championship run, it remains to be seen how this award snub might affect the cohesion and performance of the Blue Devils as they enter the tournament.