The weight of the Duke–North Carolina rivalry is something Jon Scheyer has experienced from every angle. First as a player and now as the head coach tasked with helping the Blue Devils through college basketball’s biggest matchup. This is the best rivalry in the world when it comes to college hoops and there’s no debating that.
As Duke prepares for its game vs. North Carolina, Scheyer spoke about how his relationship with the rivalry has changed, speaking about personal memories and the responsibility that now comes with leading the program.
“My first one was at home. We lost a close game, really tough one,” Scheyer said, per Chip Alexander. “I played really well. I just always enjoyed being in those moments.”
However, he acknowledged that the emotional and professional burden feels different from the sideline. Being a player is one thing, given how young college athletes are, but now, as a grown up and head coach, Scheyer understands that being a head coach is something he needs to be ready for in these games.
“I felt the responsibility even more than as a player,” Scheyer said Thursday. “At the same time you appreciate the attention. I never run from that. You have to appreciate that as a coach at Duke.”
At Duke, beating UNC isn’t optional, as it’s pretty much something that needs to happen. Scheyer can win 10 national championships in a row but if he doesn’t beat UNC and Hubert Davis, he’ll hear about that.
That reality also starts from understanding the rivalry’s place in the sport.
“There’s no denying the fact that when you think about the success of both of these programs ... and what this game stands for in college basketball, I think people would be jealous in what this game means,” Scheyer said. “But ultimately, it’s a helluva thing to be a part of.”
Few rivalries command the national attention, historical moments, and significance of Duke vs. UNC. From Hall of Fame coaches to NBA stars, this rivalry means a lot more than just wins and losses at times, but that’s the biggest thing.
I like Duke in this game, but we can never count anyone out in these contests.