Jon Scheyer suited up for the Blue Devils a little over 15 years ago. After his playing days at Duke, he returned to the program as an assistant under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. Today, Scheyer is the head coach of Duke and has already led the team to national prominence.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils face an increasingly challenging non-conference schedule, but before they even enter ACC play, they’ll have a unique exhibition matchup on October 21. Duke will host the UCF Knights in a game that may not turn heads because of the opponent—but definitely will because of the opposing coach.
UCF is led by Johnny Dawkins, another former Blue Devil with deep ties to the program. Dawkins starred at Duke from 1982 to 1986 before being selected 10th overall in the NBA Draft. After his playing career, he returned to Durham as an assistant coach and later served as associate head coach in 2008.
In many ways, Dawkins paved the road Scheyer now walks—though he never ascended to Duke’s top job. Now, the two will face off as head coaches in a matchup dubbed the “Brotherhood Run,” a nod to the program’s legacy and family-like culture. It’s a meeting of generations, where two former Blue Devils meet on opposite sidelines—each carrying forward the values of the Brotherhood in their own way.
Johnny Dawkins was a true legend during his time at Duke. A two-time consensus All-American and two-time First-Team All-ACC selection, he was named the 1986 Naismith Player of the Year and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in his final season. His impact on the program was so significant that Duke retired his No. 24 jersey—a rare honor reflecting his lasting legacy.
While Jon Scheyer’s résumé may not match Dawkins’ in terms of individual accolades, he holds a distinction Dawkins never achieved: a national championship. Scheyer helped lead Duke to the 2010 NCAA title, serving as a captain and key contributor. He also earned his own share of recognition, being named to the All-ACC Team in 2010 and taking home ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2009.
Though their paths and accomplishments differ, both men left their mark on Duke—as players and now as coaches.
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