Jon Scheyer says Dereck Lively has 'changed our whole team'

Things haven’t always come easily this season for Dereck Lively II. The former five-star and No. 1 player in 2022 per the On3 Industry Rankings hasn’t made a season-long impact on Duke. However, he has become vital to the Blue Devils down the stretch of the season and Jon Scheyer knows it.

Scheyer praised Lively for how far he has come ahead of their NCAA Tournament appearance in Orlando. He said that growth has added a whole new dynamic to their team, specifically on the defensive end. Even so, he says he always knew this is what the 7-1 freshman center could do for them once he put all the pieces together.

“Dereck has changed our whole team. It’s not just the last nine games. I think, really, probably halfway through the season? He hit another gear of understanding, one, how good he can be. But, also, just the impact he can make in college. Because he’s going to,” Scheyer said. “As his career goes along? He’s going to continue to add things to his game and be such a difference maker. But his ability to protect the rim, to move his feet, to defend on the perimeter? It’s a huge skill for us. We’re very lucky to have him.”

“He changes the whole dynamic of our defense. And he has plays where he doesn’t even get a stat or a blocked shot. He’s just out there and he makes you think about him. Not to mention his motor and just how he moves, his competitiveness,” said Scheyer. “I’m really proud of what he’s done. He’s had a great year for us.”

Lively’s season-long averages come to 5.4 points, five rebounds, and just over two blocks in a hair under 20 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 65.8% from the field in his 32 games.

His recent numbers, though, tell a different story. In his 12 games since the start of February, Lively is averaging 7.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks on 70.8% shooting from the field in over 25 minutes a contest. He has also passed the eye test much better as, like Scheyer said, the box score isn’t fully defining his total impact on a game.

All in all, Lively’s development has taken Duke’s ceiling from a decent team to a contender that’s becoming less and less of the ‘darkhorse’ variety as they enter March Madness. Now, all Scheyer and Duke can hope for is that he brings this newfound impact into the tournament with him as they prepare to tip things off against Oral Roberts tonight.