Duke Coach Scheyer Reflects on Final Four Loss, Builds New Roster

Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer has spent months reflecting on his team's heartbreaking 70-67 loss to Houston in the 2025 NCAA Final Four, a game in which Duke led late but could not close out the victory. Despite the emotional toll, Scheyer immediately revisited game film to analyze the collapse, emphasizing the importance of learning from the experience rather than rationalizing or making excuses. The loss, marked by critical turnovers and missed scoring opportunities in the final minutes, contrasts with the previous season's successes, including a double ACC championship and five NBA draft picks. Scheyer views this setback as a motivating lesson for returning players and incoming recruits, focusing on building a cohesive team rather than relying on individual talent. He has worked quickly to secure key players' return and strengthen the roster's size and versatility in preparation for the new season. Throughout, Scheyer stresses the necessity of fully processing the loss to be the best coach and leader for his team moving forward.