Jon Scheyer provides new update on Coach K health scare

After Duke’s 76-74 win over Wake Forest, coach-in-waiting Jon Scheyer commented on the latest information regarding Coach K’s health scare at halftime. Mike Krzyzewski, better known as Coach K with Duke fans, did not return to coach the Blue Devils after halftime. He remained in the locker room after the break while reportedly “not feeling well.”

Coach K health scare update

With some time to speak with Krzyzewski after the game had ended, Scheyer was able to learn more about what exactly his mentor was dealing with. Scheyer explained during his postgame appearance that Krzyzewski was feeling better, but needed additional rest still. Scheyer added that Krzyzewski was feeling well enough to address the team in-person in the locker room after the game.

“You’re worried about Coach K coming out in the second half and thankfully he’s doing much better, but that affects you,” said Scheyer about the confusion surrounding Krzyzewski’s absence. “At the end we were able to make a play, we have some things to learn but we had the toughness to get it done.”

Scheyer’s comments on the absence of Coach K echoed his immediate reaction following Tuesday’s thrilling finish over Wake Forest. The confusion definitely affected Duke’s players during the game, but the distraction wasn’t entirely a bad thing according to the future Duke head coach.

“It wasn’t pretty, that’s for sure,” said Scheyer on-court after Duke’s close victory. “But just the fight that this team has. Obviously extenuating circumstances with Coach being out. We wanna pick it up for him. We’re really proud of being associated with these guys — and what a win.”

Wake Forest’s comeback and Mark Williams’ heroics

Wake Forest fought back multiple times in the second half of the game, and nearly forced overtime after trailing by nine at the half. With roughly five minutes remaining, Duke fought off another rally by the Demon Deacons to take a nine-point lead again. Wake Forest put together a 9-0 run to tie the game, only to fall to a buzzer-beating putback dunk.

“They’re tough. They’re explosive offensively, they’re as big as any team in our league and skilled. They’re really good. To beat a team like Wake — and for us, it’s important to win on our home floor. So we’re really proud to get this win, and now start prepping for Florida State.

Duke center Mark Williams became the hero at the buzzer in their win, as his put-back dunk with less than a second remaining saved the Blue Devils from overtime against their in-state rival. With less than five seconds remaining in a tied game, standout freshman Paolo Banchero drove to the basketball for a potential game-winner. He was met by two Wake Forest defenders and missed off the rim, but Williams filled the lane on a putback dunk and buzzer-beater.

“He made some big time plays. I mean big time plays,” said Scheyer of Williams’ heroics during the game. “And that tip-in — he’s a difference maker for us. And we’ve gotta keep it going. Proud and happy that we could get this done.”