Jon Scheyer will soon lead the No 1. seed Duke Blue Devils out of the tunnel for a matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament.
Before matching up against the Crimson Tide, Scheyer spoke with the media about the varying strength of schedules between the SEC and ACC, with the reporter insinuating that Alabama may be more battle-tested. Scheyer then explained that he believes the Crimson Tide played a “heck of a schedule,” but he doesn’t believe it will give them any advantage. Duke head coach mentioned that the Blue Devils have been playing in the ACC for quite some time and they able always been prepared, facing top talent in their respective conference.
“Alabama’s has a heck of a schedule,” Scheyer said. “I feel we have to. But it’s been different. I don’t think that gives them any more of a leg up tomorrow, based on conference or ACC, SEC. I’ve been in the ACC a long time. It’s always prepared us and had us ready and this year is no exception in my mind.”
Alabama entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 2 seed in the East region. They were one of 14 SEC teams to make the NCAA Tournament, having broken the record (11) for the most teams from one conference to compete in March Madness.
The SEC also had seven teams advance to the Sweet 16, the most of any conference in NCAA Tournament history. Despite Alabama having clearly played against some of the best talent in the country all season, Scheyer thinks Duke is in a good position to compete for a spot in the Final Four.
Before facing Alabama in the Elite Eight, Duke has defeated Mount St. Mary’s, Baylor and Arizona.
