Jon Scheyer: Where the Journey Began
Long before Jon Scheyer was the head coach of Duke basketball, leading one of the most prestigious programs in the sport back to the Final Four, he was just a young kid falling in love with the game on the courts of Evanston, Illinois.
Scheyer first arrived at Duke as a player in 2006, a sharp-shooting guard from suburban Chicago with a reputation for clutch performances and high basketball IQ. By the time he graduated in 2010, he had helped guide the Blue Devils to a national championship and had cemented himself as one of the most respected players to come through Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary program.
He returned to Duke in 2014, this time wearing a suit instead of a jersey, joining Coach K’s staff as an assistant. Just one year later, in 2015, he played a key role in helping guide the team to yet another national title—this time from the bench. In 2022, when Coach K retired after more than four decades, Scheyer was chosen to take over the reins. In just his first few seasons as head coach, he has already led the Blue Devils to a Sweet Sixteen, an Elite Eight, and most recently, a Final Four—an impressive trajectory for a rising coaching star.
But while his story is closely tied to Duke, it began much earlier—on the hardwood of a youth basketball league that may surprise you.
Scheyer’s first true basketball experience didn’t come at a fancy gym or through an elite private trainer. Instead, it came through a local league known as FAAM—the Fellowship of African American Men. Based in Evanston, Illinois, FAAM was a community-rooted organization that gave young kids a chance to play competitive basketball, learn discipline, and build character in an inclusive, supportive environment.
It was in FAAM that Scheyer’s love for the game truly took hold. The league became so important to him that his family considered relocating from their hometown of Northbrook to Evanston, just so he could stay immersed in that community and continue playing there. While they ultimately stayed in Northbrook, Scheyer’s time in FAAM left an indelible mark and helped shape both his game and his values.
If you ever come across a certain team photo from those early years, there’s a fun challenge to try: scroll down just enough to see the faces in the picture but not the caption. See if you can pick out a young Jon Scheyer. It might take a few seconds, but once you spot him, it’s unmistakable—that focused gaze, that presence. The seeds of a future star were already visible.
Back in Northbrook, Scheyer’s game continued to blossom. He went on to become a high school legend at Glenbrook North High School, where he once scored 21 points in 75 seconds in a single game and averaged over 30 points per contest as a senior. His high school dominance caught the attention of top programs nationwide, but for Scheyer, the choice was clear—he was destined for Duke.
Now, as head coach of one of college basketball’s blue-bloods, Scheyer’s early beginnings in a local youth league offer a powerful reminder: greatness doesn’t always start in the spotlight. Sometimes it starts on a local court, in a community league, surrounded by people who believe in you.
This chapter of Scheyer’s story is more than just nostalgia—it’s a testament to the value of grassroots basketball, mentorship, and the long road from potential to success. Understanding where Jon Scheyer came from helps explain how he became the leader he is today.
Leave a Reply