After a confident and well-earned win against Howard yesterday, Duke coach Jon Scheyer finally stepped forward to share his thoughts — and his words couldn’t have been more uplifting. His message celebrated the team’s hard work, highlighted the spirit that carried them to victory, and offered a glimpse into the determination driving the Blue Devils toward what’s next. The win wasn’t just impressive; it felt like a statement from a Duke team continuing to rise with clarity and purpose.
Duke’s 93–56 victory was dominant from start to finish. From the opening tip, the Blue Devils attacked with precision, energy, and a level of focus that immediately separated the two teams. By halftime, Duke had surged to a commanding 52–18 lead, fueled by crisp ball movement, confident shooting, and a relentless presence in the paint.
Cameron Boozer delivered one of the most complete performances of his young Duke career. Scoring 26 points and securing 12 rebounds, he controlled the game on both ends of the floor. His efficiency — hitting 10 of his 12 shots — showed how comfortable he is becoming as a central figure in Duke’s offensive system. Patrick Ngongba II added 16 points on nearly perfect shooting, while Isaiah Evans provided an athletic spark with electrifying finishes at the rim. The supporting cast rounded out the effort, with multiple players contributing on both sides of the ball.
What stood out most was Duke’s dominance inside. The Blue Devils scored at will in the paint, finished through contact, and used their size and athleticism to disrupt Howard’s rhythm. Their rebounding edge was decisive, and the team played with the confidence of a group that trusts its system and each other.
But it was Jon Scheyer’s postgame message that truly captured attention. Known for his calm leadership and thoughtful analysis, Scheyer spoke with a blend of pride and clarity — the tone of a coach who saw his team execute the way he always believed they could.
He praised the discipline that defined the game. According to Scheyer, the team didn’t simply rely on talent; they relied on preparation. He highlighted how much time these players devote to practice — drilling reads, tightening defensive rotations, sharpening communication — and emphasized that this win was a reflection of those habits paying off. Their ball movement, he said, showed maturity. Their composure, even with a large lead, showed growth.
Scheyer then focused on the character of his players. He pointed out the unselfishness that allowed the offense to flow so freely. Eight different players scored in the first half, a testament to how willingly this team shares the burden. He praised Boozer’s leadership, Ngongba’s poise, and Evans’s intensity, but he made it equally clear that Duke’s strength is rooted in collective effort, not just individual stars.
And yet, despite the blowout, Scheyer was careful not to let his team get comfortable. He reminded them — and the fanbase — that this win is one step in a larger journey. He urged the Blue Devils to stay focused, to avoid complacency, and to continue sharpening every aspect of their game. He stressed that the true mark of a great team isn’t how they perform when everything is going right, but how consistent they remain from game to game.
For Duke, this victory also carried symbolic weight. It marked one of the strongest starts to a season under Scheyer’s leadership. It reaffirmed the power of Cameron Indoor Stadium, where the home crowd continues to energize the team. And it showcased the depth that could be crucial as Duke approaches tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
Scheyer’s glowing message didn’t just celebrate the win — it reinforced the culture he is building. A culture of accountability, toughness, resilience, and unity. A culture where players lift one another up and play with a shared purpose. A culture where winning begins long before tipoff.
In the end, this wasn’t merely a rout of Howard. It was a performance that told Duke fans something important: this team is growing, evolving, and sharpening its identity with every game. Scheyer’s words reflected exactly that. His pride was clear, but so was his vision. He believes in this group — not just for what they accomplished yesterday, but for what they’re capable of becoming.
And if this win is any indication, Duke is only getting started.
