Jon Scheyer, the head coach of Duke basketball, crossed off another important task.
Some claim that head coaches lose their credibility when they commit their first technical foul. And after Kyle Filipowski, the eventual ACC Rookie of the Year, took a throat punch and other hits without a word from conference officials, others pleaded with Jon Scheyer to call his first T last season.
As the No. 9 Blue Devils defeated the Bucknell Bison 90–60 at home on Friday night, the second-year head coach saved his best for last.
Press row observers told SI.com’s Blue Devil Country that Scheyer appeared determined to land a technical in the minutes before the under-12 break.
Having witnessed Duke freshman Sean Stewart make big contact on a few plays and sophomore Mark Mitchell dunk in the middle of battering lane, all without a whistle for his chiselled forwards, he was clearly furious and was pacing the sidelines looking for an official to speak at.
This comment is consistent with what the 36-year-old originally mentioned, albeit in jest, at his news conference, when he stated that it was done to honour his 500th game in his capacities as a Duke player, assistant coach, and head coach.
“I wanted to have something special from it because they told me right before the game that it was my 500th game at Duke as a coach and a player.” Scheyer said.
“No, it’s simply that I will always st
and up for my teammates.” Sean and Mark both made strong runs to the hoop, which infuriated me. Though that’s just how things work, I’m sure I’ll get some SMS about it.”
In his 22 minutes as a starter, Mitche
ll ended with a game-high and career-high 20 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block. In his career-high 16 minutes off the bench, Stewart finished with six points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one dime.
Scheyer stated at the conclusion of his press conference that he can’t remember ever receiving a technical as a player.
The La Salle Explorers will be the opponent for Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils (4-1) in their second of three games as the Blue Devil Challenge host team on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.
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