Coach vs. Sniper: Jon Scheyer Vows to Outduel Duke’s Rising Star in 3-Point Battle
In the halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium, greatness often returns to challenge the new wave of talent. And this summer, a lighthearted yet bold challenge is emerging—not from a rival program or media outlet, but from within the Duke basketball family itself.
Jon Scheyer, the fourth-year head coach of the Blue Devils and a former Duke legend on the hardwood, has reignited his competitive fire with a very specific goal in mind: to outshoot one of his most promising young stars from beyond the arc.
On the latest episode of The Brotherhood Podcast, hosted by former Duke forward and current director of player development Justin Robinson, Scheyer was asked a seemingly innocent question: Is he still the best shooter in the building?
His answer? Confident, sharp, and aimed directly at one player—Isaiah Evans.
“Is that even a real question?” Scheyer joked, a smirk evident in his voice. “It’s obviously not your question because you know. Look, the one guy that would like to say I haven’t beat yet is Isaiah. But come back. We’re gonna do this again in a couple months. And that answer’s gonna be different. I’m gonna beat Isaiah — not just once, but several times by then.”
Those words may sound playful, but anyone who’s followed Jon Scheyer’s journey from national champion in 2010 to head coach of one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs knows he doesn’t speak lightly when it comes to competition.
A Legacy of Sharp Shooting
As a senior at Duke during the 2009-10 championship season, Scheyer was a nightmare for opposing defenses. He drilled 110 three-pointers that year—one of the highest single-season totals in Duke history. His ability to knock down shots from deep helped carry the Blue Devils to their fourth NCAA title under Coach K.
Even now, during shootarounds and downtime in practice, Scheyer occasionally puts on a mini-show for his players, stepping into rhythm threes and reminding the squad that he still possesses the stroke that once electrified Durham.
But things are different now. The new generation is no longer wide-eyed and passive when the coach grabs a ball. Players like Isaiah Evans, a rising sophomore and projected starter, are not only watching—they’re ready to compete.
Isaiah Evans: The New Sniper on Campus
Evans isn’t just any sophomore. Last season, he shot a team-high 41.6 percent from beyond the arc, with over five of his 6.8 points per game coming from three-point land. His shot is smooth, confident, and increasingly lethal.
He was a quiet contributor on a Duke team that won 35 games, but those within the program know he’s poised to take a major leap this year. And now, it seems, that growth will include a friendly yet fierce shootout with his own head coach.
Scheyer’s challenge may be tongue-in-cheek, but it’s rooted in the culture he’s been building since taking over the reins from Coach Mike Krzyzewski. It’s a culture that encourages competition, pride, and respect—across generations.
More Than Just a Game
For fans and players alike, this developing rivalry is a refreshing glimpse into the relationships that make Duke basketball special. Scheyer isn’t just a coach barking instructions from the sideline—he’s a player at heart, a champion who still loves the game, and a mentor who leads by example.
To challenge a current player to a three-point battle isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about raising the bar, keeping players sharp in the offseason, and continuing the brotherhood that has defined Duke for decades.
Whether or not Scheyer eventually tops Evans in their inevitable shootout remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: fans will be watching closely. The gym battles between a coach with a championship ring and a rising star with NBA dreams are now must-see moments at Duke.
And if Scheyer’s prediction comes true, don’t be surprised if the next Brotherhood Podcast opens with the headline: Coach Still Has the Crown.
Leave a Reply