Riley McCarthy

It's never the changes we want that change everything - Oscar Wao

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

June 4, 2021 — A new era of Duke Basketball officially began.

Following the announcement that Coach Mike Krzyzewski would retire after the 2021-22 season, Duke officially named Jon Scheyer as the program’s next head coach, handing the keys of college basketball’s premier program to one of its own.

Scheyer became the 20th head coach in Duke Basketball history, tasked with following a legend who won 5 National Championships, made 13 Final Fours, and won more games than any coach in Division I history over his four decades of dominance.

But five years later, it’s safe to say Duke got it right.

Through his first four seasons, Scheyer has compiled 124 victories, the most ever by a Division I head coach in his first four years. His Blue Devils have captured three ACC Tournament Championships, reached three Elite Eights, advanced to a Final Four, and posted a nation-leading 25 victories over AP-ranked opponents.

The 2025-26 season cemented Scheyer among the sport’s elite. Duke finished 35-3, went 17-1 in ACC play, earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, and Scheyer was named NABC National Coach of the Year.

What makes the accomplishment even more remarkable is where it began. At just 35 years old when he was hired, Scheyer became one of the youngest head coaches in Division I basketball and the youngest at a Power Conference program. Yet the former Duke All-American, two-time captain, national champion, elite recruiter, and longtime assistant never looked overwhelmed by the moment.

He embraced it.

From leading Duke to a National Championship as a player in 2010 to leading the Brotherhood from the sideline.  What began as one of the most pressure-filled coaching transitions in sports has quickly become the continuation of Duke’s standard of excellence.

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

“Back when they were askin’ bout where Davidson was at / Now everybody got a blue 30 on they back”

Jon Scheyer is the real blue 30 on this side! 😈

#Iceman #drake #duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

May 18, 2005 — Gerald Henderson chose Duke 🔵😈

The 6’4” guard from Merion, PA arrived in Durham as one of the most explosive athletes in the country. Ranked 15th overall in the 2006 class by 247Sports, Henderson came to Duke as a two-time Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year and the 2006 McDonald’s All-American Dunk Contest champion.

Over three seasons, Henderson developed into one of the ACC’s premier two-way wings — averaging 12.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.8 APG for his career while becoming one of Duke’s most feared transition players and perimeter defenders.

One of the smoothest athletes to ever wear a Duke uniform:
• Elite finisher above the rim
• Explosive shot blocker from the wing
• Lockdown defender with length, quickness, and bounce
• Relentless competitor on both ends of the floor

Henderson needed just three seasons to join Duke’s 1,000-point club, scoring 1,262 points in 103 career games. As a junior, he earned Third Team All-American honors after averaging 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while leading Duke to an ACC Tournament title and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

Selected 12th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, Henderson went on to carve out a successful 8-year NBA career.

One of the most explosive wings in Duke history.

Where does @g_hender09 rank on your all-time Duke dunkers list?

#Duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

May 8, 2019 — Jeremy Roach committed to Duke 🔵😈

The 6’2” point guard from Leesburg, VA arrived in Durham as the No. 24 overall recruit in the 2020 class according to 247Sports — and left as one of the defining leaders of the modern Duke era.

Roach became the steady hand of the program during a historic transition period, serving as the only major rotation player to play significant roles for both Coach K and Jon Scheyer.

A four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain, Roach built a career defined by toughness, composure, leadership, and clutch shot-making. Time after time, when Duke needed a bucket in a big moment, Roach delivered.

Over 130 career games (108 starts), he finished with:
• 1,469 career points
• 11.3 PPG
• 3.1 APG
• 2.4 RPG
• 43.9% FG

During his senior season, he posted career highs in scoring (14.0 PPG), three-point shooting (.429), free-throw percentage (.844), and rebounds while earning All-ACC Third Team honors.

Roach eclipsed the 1,000-point mark against Arizona on November 10, 2023, becoming the 68th player in Duke history to reach the milestone.

His career résumé speaks for itself:
🏆 ACC Regular Season Champion
🏆 ACC Tournament Champion (2023)
🏀 Final Four appearance (2022)
🎖️ Two-time Team Captain
💯 1,469 Career Points

From Coach K’s final team to the foundation of the Scheyer era, @Jeremyroach10 was the heartbeat of Duke Basketball for four seasons. A true Blue Devil through and through.

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

May 4, 2006 — Lance Thomas chose Duke 🔵😈

The 6’9” forward from Scotch Plains, NJ became the heartbeat of the Blue Devils — sacrificing his body, taking charges, locking down the post, switching onto the perimeter, and battling on the glass with relentless energy every night.

In 140 career games (101 starts), Thomas averaged 4.6 points and 3.6 rebounds — but his impact went far beyond the box score. A 2010 Co-Captain, ACC All-Defensive Team selection, and a key piece of the 2010 National Championship run.

A glue guy. A grinder. A champion.

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 30, 2022 — Ryan Young committed to Duke.

The 6’10” transfer from Northwestern brought toughness, efficiency, and leadership to the Blue Devils across two seasons. Not your typical above the rim center for Duke, Ryan used footwork and plenty of pump fakes to be effective for the Blue Devils off the bench.

• 4.6 PPG | 4.5 RPG | 1.1 APG
• 2023 Co-Captain
• All-ACC Academic selection
• Shot 65% from the field
• 20 points, 12 rebounds, a perfect 7-7 FG & 6-6 FT vs. Florida State — the first player in Duke history with a 20+ point double-double without a miss
• Career-high 15 rebounds vs. Oregon State
• Famously dunked more times than @TyreseProctor (iykyk)

Off the court, he also made history as the first host of the Brotherhood Podcast — bringing fans closer to the program.

Reliable. Selfless. Hardworking. Ryan Young was a steady presence off the bench for Coach Scheyer.

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

Brandon Ingram’s lone season at Duke was nothing short of elite.

The 6’8” forward from Kinston, NC arrived as the No. 3 overall prospect (247Sports) in the 2015 class and lived up to every bit of the hype. In 36 games (34 starts), Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks — leading all ACC freshmen in scoring and rebounding.

A consensus ACC Freshman of the Year and second-team All-ACC selection, his game speaks for itself: 31 double-digit scoring games, 14 games with 20+, and 8 double-doubles.

Big moments were routine.

• A breakout performance of 24 points against Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge
• 26 points, 14 rebounds (career high) vs Georgia Southern
• 25 points, 9 rebounds in his ACC debut at Boston College
• 18 points, 10 rebound double-double vs No. 13 Louisville
• a monster 25 points (18 straight), 7 rebounds vs No. 7 Virginia
• 20 points, 10 rebounds in a rivalry win at No. 5 UNC
•In NCAA Tournament play, scored 20 points in the win over UNC Wilmington, 25 in the win over Yale and 24 against Oregon in the Sweet 16 all while playing 119 of a possible 120 minutes for Duke

After one dominant season, Ingram declared for the 2016 NBA Draft and was selected No. 2 overall by the Lakers.

One of the smoothest scorers and most versatile freshmen Duke has ever seen.

Where do you rank @B_Ingram13 all-time among Duke freshmen? 🔵😈

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 24, 2013 — the day Grayson Allen committed to Duke. And from that moment on, he built one of the most accomplished careers in Blue Devil history. 🔵😈

The 6’3” shooting guard from Jacksonville, FL was a four-star recruit ranked 24th overall and the 9th overall shooting guard in the 2014 class according to 247Sports, Allen arrived in Durham as the lowest rated freshman in his class. He would leave as a champion, All-American, and Duke legend.

Over 142 games (97 starts), Allen put together a special career that speaks for itself:
• 14.1 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 3.0 APG
• 43% FG | 38% 3PT | 83.4% FT
• 1,996 career points (12th all-time at Duke)
• 2015 National Champion
• 2016 All-American + Academic All-American
• 4x All-ACC Academic Team (one of only three ever, with Amile Jefferson and Quin Snyder)
• One of just five Blue Devils ever to record 1,900+ points, 400+ rebounds, and 400+ assists alongside Grant Hill, Jon Scheyer, Danny Ferry, and Johnny Dawkins
• Career high 37 points vs Michigan State in 2017
• 21st overall draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 2018

Clutch. Fiery. Unapologetically competitive. Legend. Grayson Allen delivered moments, wins, and a championship that will live forever in Cameron.

Should @GraysonJAllen have his jersey retired at Duke?

[Ken Jeong @kenjeong]

💙😈🏀 #DDMF

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

OFFSEASON CONTENT 🚨

It starts with a commitment.

Starting tomorrow, we’re taking it back to the day each player chose Duke — reliving some of the best plays from their journey and highlighting their accomplishments. 🔵😈

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

Cassius Stanley committed to Duke on April, 22, 2019. The four-star recruit from Los Angeles, CA was ranked as the 35th overall prospect and the 3rd overall ranked shooting guard according to 247Sports in the 2019 class.

Stanley’s lone season in Durham was pure electricity every time he touched the floor. One of the best dunkers in Duke history.

The 6’6” guard made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 12.6 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 47% from the field, 36% from deep, and 75% at the line across 29 starts — earning a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.

From the jump, he announced himself on the big stage: 13 points (including a second-half takeover of 8 straight) in his debut vs. No. 3 Kansas, a 20 point game at Miami, and a statement 24 point, 11 rebound double-double against No. 11 Louisville. He dropped 21 points with a career-high 5 threes at Virginia Tech, then followed it with a 22 point performance at UNC and a 19-point closeout in Chapel Hill to finish the regular season strong.

After one season, he declared for the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected 54th overall by the Indiana Pacers.

Where do you rank @cassius_stanley in your all-time Duke dunkers list?

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 6, 2015 —📍Lucas Oil Stadium

Duke 68, Wisconsin 63

• Tyus Jones: 23 pts, 5 reb (MOP)
• Grayson Allen: 16 pts
• Justise Winslow: 11 pts, 9 reb, 3 blk
• Jahlil Okafor: 10 pts

Duke erased a 9 point second-half deficit, outscoring Wisconsin by 14 points over the final 13 minutes to take control. With Okafor limited by foul trouble, Grayson Allen sparked the comeback—scoring 8 straight points with Duke down nine in a legendary performance. Tyus “Stones” Jones took over late, knocking down clutch shots and going perfect from the line. His dagger three with about a minute left sealed it, as Duke secured the program’s fifth National Championship
#Duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 5, 2010 —📍Lucas Oil Stadium

Duke 61, Butler 59

• Kyle Singler: 19 pts, 9 reb (MOP)
• Jon Scheyer: 15 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast
• Nolan Smith: 13 pts, 4 ast
• Brian Zoubek: 8 pts, 10 reb

In a gritty, defensive battle, Duke led 33–32 at halftime. Neither team led by more than 6 points, but the Blue Devils executed multiple baseline out-of-bounds plays to generate timely baskets throughout the second half. The Big Three combined to score 47 of Duke’s 61 points.

With 3.6 seconds left, Zoubek intentionally missed his second free throw, giving Butler and Gordon Hayward one last chance. Hayward’s half-court heave nearly went in at the buzzer, but Duke survived the scare to capture its fourth national championship!
#Duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 4, 2015 —📍Lucas Oil Stadium

Duke 81, Michigan State 61

• Justise Winslow: 19 pts, 9 reb
• Jahlil Okafor: 18 pts, 6 reb
• Quinn Cook: 17 pts
• Grayson Allen: 9 pts, 5 reb

Duke used a 30-11 run in the first half to take a halftime lead and never looked back, shooting 52% from the field while dominating inside and on the glass. Behind balanced scoring and strong defense, the Blue Devils never trailed in the second half to advance to the National Championship game
#Duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 3, 2010 —📍Lucas Oil Stadium

Duke 78, West Virginia 57

• Jon Scheyer: 23 pts, 6 ast (5-9 3PT)
• Kyle Singler: 21 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast
• Nolan Smith: 19 pts, 6 ast
• Brian Zoubek: 6 pts, 10 reb

Duke caught fire from deep, shooting 13-for-25 from three (52%) and building a double-digit lead early that never wavered. Behind elite ball movement (20 assists) and dominant perimeter shooting, Duke overwhelmed West Virginia to punch its ticket to the National Championship game
#Duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 2, 2001 —📍Metrodome

Duke 82, Arizona 72

• Shane Battier: 18 pts, 11 reb, 6 ast (MOP)
• Mike Dunleavy: 21 pts
• Carlos Boozer: 12 pts, 12 reb
• Jason Williams: 16 pts, 4 ast

THE PROUD FATHER OF 3, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE — Coach K and Duke win their third National Championship! Mike Dunleavy sparked the offense with 21 points (18 in the second half), while Battier delivered a clutch, all-around performance to seal it. The game featured nine future NBA players.

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

April 1, 1991 —📍Hoosier Dome

Duke 72 Kansas 65

• Christian Laettner: 18 pts, 10 reb (MOP)
• Bobby Hurley: 12 pts, 9 ast
• Bill McCaffrey: 16 pts

Duke captured its first National Championship in program history and first for Coach K!
#Duke

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

March 30, 1991 —📍RCA Dome

Duke 79, UNLV 77

• Christian Laettner: 28 pts, 7 reb
• Bobby Hurley: 12 pts, 7 ast
• Brian Davis: 15 pts

Duke took down the defending champion and previously unbeaten UNLV in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history
#Duke

[Christian Laettner @laettnerbball]

Always had fun playing in the #MFinalFour

[Duke On This Day @DukeOnThisDay]

March 29, 2024 —📍American Airlines Center

Duke 54, Houston 51

• Kyle Filipowski: 16 pts, 9 reb
• Jeremy Roach: 14 pts
• Tyrese Proctor: 9 pts, 4 ast

In a defensive battle, Duke held Houston to just 51 points and made key stops to advance to the Elite 8
#Duke