Not Just Another Exhibition: What Happens When Duke Royalty Returns to Battle — Scheyer vs. Dawkins in a Clash That’s Bigger Than the Scoreboard?
What Happens When Two Duke Icons Turn Coaches and Collide in a Brotherhood Game Years in the Making?
DURHAM, N.C. — Cameron Indoor Stadium is no stranger to historic moments, but come October 21, it will host a showdown unlike any other. Duke basketball fans and college hoops enthusiasts alike are already circling the date as two generations of Blue Devil royalty — Jon Scheyer and Johnny Dawkins — meet not just as legends, but as head coaches on opposing sidelines.
This highly anticipated Brotherhood Run exhibition game between Duke and UCF is more than just a preseason matchup. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch, a celebration of tradition, and a reunion wrapped in competition. And for Scheyer and Dawkins, it’s deeply personal.
Dawkins, a Duke Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and the program’s all-time leading scorer for over two decades, helped lay the foundation for the modern Duke dynasty. His number 24 jersey hangs proudly in the rafters, and his impact is etched in Blue Devil history. A two-time All-American, National Player of the Year, and 10th overall NBA Draft pick in 1986, Dawkins brought pride to the program both as a player and later as a coach — including during Scheyer’s first two seasons at Duke.
Scheyer, now Duke’s head coach, is one of the most prominent members of the next wave of Blue Devil excellence. A former team captain and NCAA champion in 2010, he represents a new generation of leadership molded by the values instilled by Coach Mike Krzyzewski and mentors like Dawkins himself.
The Brotherhood Reunited… And Opposed
“It means a lot to welcome Johnny Dawkins and UCF to Cameron for this exhibition,” Scheyer said. “Johnny is truly one of the pillars of Duke Basketball. His legacy is felt every day within our program.”
For Dawkins, the feelings are mutual — and the return is emotional.
“It’s always special going back to Duke — it’s a place that shaped so much of who I am, both as a player and a person,” he shared. “To bring our UCF team there, to compete in that environment and be part of something meaningful, is an honor.”
While both men respect each other immensely, make no mistake: this game will be intense. With competitive fire running through their veins, neither will want to walk away without the win. And for fans, it’s a chance to see Duke’s past and present collide — on the court, on the sideline, and in spirit.
Why This Game Matters
What elevates this game beyond the average exhibition is its symbolism. It represents continuity, legacy, and the powerful bond known as The Brotherhood — a connection that transcends generations of players and coaches.
Dawkins’ coaching journey includes a transformative run at Stanford, his current tenure at UCF, and over a decade at Duke. Scheyer, just a few years into his head coaching role, has already proven he’s capable of leading one of college basketball’s most storied programs into a new era.
The matchup serves as a warm-up for both teams’ seasons — but it’s also a living tribute to the Duke lineage, one that reverberates through every player who’s worn the Blue and White.
Ticketing and Broadcast Info
Game time, TV broadcast details, and ticket availability for the Brotherhood Run will be announced soon via GoDuke.com, where fans can also request tickets.
Whether you’re a Duke alum, a college basketball junkie, or simply love a story rooted in legacy, loyalty, and leadership, this game belongs on your radar.
Because this October, it’s not just about who wins.
It’s about what happens when greatness meets greatness — in the house that built them both.
