Jon Scheyer Says Duke Basketball Is 'In Position to Really Take Off'

Jon Scheyer's second Duke basketball team usually responds well to defeats.
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Despite two dinged-up talents among the primary rotation in Duke basketball freshman guard Caleb Foster (foot) and sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski (knee), Jon Scheyer has reason to feel optimistic about his No. 10 Blue Devils (21-6, 12-4 ACC). After all, three of their four remaining regular season games are at home.

Furthermore, it's not as though as they've been struggling.

Duke recently reeled off five wins in a row, including two away from home before falling, 83-79, at unranked Wake Forest (18-9, 10-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon. Plus, these Blue Devils followed up each of their previous three losses with no less than a three-game winning streak.

During Monday night's Fast Break with Jon Scheyer alongside host and Voice of the Blue Devils David Shumate, the second-year head coach summarized his current outlook while assessing his squad's recent performances as they return to the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium following a 2-1 road swing:

"We did enough to win all three games. We put ourselves in a position. We didn't close the third game, which is disappointing for us. But the effort against Miami and the effort against Florida State...and the effort against Wake Forest was really good.

"The difference with that game versus some of the [other losses] earlier in the year, it wasn't just about how hard you have to play or the effort or how hard you have to compete. It's about the attention to detail and what it takes to win. And that's what we didn't follow through all the way with.

"You know, you're a play away, still. The margin is so small. That's what we spent a lot of time talking to our team about today. But proud of the effort. I'm proud of the growth. To come out of this with winning two out of the three — you win the three home games right before — I think we're getting better and better.

"I think we're in a position to really take off the last four games of the year."

NEXT DUKE BASKETBALL GAME: at home versus unranked Louisville (3-13, 8-19 ACC), 7 p.m. ET Wednesday (ACCN)

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Kyle Filipowski Now 'In Good Company' Among Blue Devil Stars

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.