Jon Scheyer reflects on following Coach K's legacy after leading Duke to Final Four

Many were unsure what the future in Durham would look like without head coach Mike Krzyzewski on the Blue Devils’ sidelines. As it turns out, not much different from the success fans enjoyed under the longtime Duke head coach.

This season’s Final Four appearance is the first for Jon Scheyer as a head coach after he took over three years ago. It is also the 18th in program history with Duke going on to win on five of those previous trips. The most recent of those came in 2015 when Scheyer was an assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski.

“As I was going through the interview process, I did my homework,” Scheyer explained. “When you look at successions, very rarely do people succeed following — Coach K is one of one, but following a legendary or a great coach.

“I’ll tell you, for me, a huge thing was having that year, though. For Coach K to be able to have the vision — I don’t know how many coaches genuinely want to see the program succeed when they leave. And for me, I’ve always wanted to make him proud. Part of his legacy isn’t just the wins. I want his legacy to be how our program continues to be right there as a top program, and that’s something Coach K and I have talked a lot about.”

Scheyer said there is a sense of responsibility and pride in succeeding one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. That’s why he’s decided to put all of his energy into what he can control each season — his team and how they’re built.

“I just couldn’t be more proud and thankful for having a group that’s believed in me, us, the support from our administration, just down the line, has been incredible,” Scheyer said. “I’m really proud of the people that have believed in me and us to get to a Final Four.”

Ahead of the Final Four matchup against Houston, Mike Krzyzewski himself gave his vote of approval to Scheyers’ group this season. He considered this year’s squad “worthy” of going and winning the national title. Coach K said that this Duke team may be the most talented team left in the field, which features some of the best talent in the country.

Before they can reach the title game, they have to go through the Houston Cougars. Tip-off between Duke and Houston is set for Saturday at 8:49 p.m. ET and will air live on CBS.