Scheyer’s ‘Earn It’ Culture Is Already Separating the Real Dogs in Practice!”

“Nothing’s Guaranteed at Duke — Scheyer’s ‘Earn It’ Culture Is Already Separating the Real Dogs in Practice!”

At Duke, tradition runs deep — banners, legends, and blue-blood expectations come with every season. But head coach Jon Scheyer is making one thing very clear as the Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming year: nothing will be handed out just because you wear the jersey.

This summer’s practices have been anything but light. Inside the walls of the practice facility, every possession matters. Every drill has weight. And according to those close to the program, Duke’s sessions have felt more like postseason matchups than preseason warmups.

Scheyer’s new mantra? “Earn it.”

That’s not just a motivational slogan — it’s become the foundation of how this team is being built. Whether you’re a returning star, a top recruit, or a bench player from last year, your role starts at zero. And you’ve got to fight for it.

> “You don’t play because of what you did last year,” a team source revealed. “You play because of what you do today. That’s the tone Coach Scheyer’s set.”

The message is being heard loud and clear.

Even top freshmen — including one whose name fans can’t stop talking about — are being put to the test. Just because you come in with hype doesn’t mean you get the minutes. Veterans are holding their ground. Unsung players from last year are pushing hard. The court is a battlefield, and every player is fighting for their right to be in the rotation.

And it’s starting to show.

Reports out of Durham say practice has been relentless, with constant switching, full-court pressure, and reps that simulate real-game chaos. Scheyer is watching who responds under pressure — who communicates, who competes, and who folds. The rotation? Still wide open. And it’s going to stay that way until the strongest rise.

> “There are no promises. If you want to play, you better earn every second,” one assistant coach reportedly told a recruit during a recent workout.

For fans expecting a typical lineup with names they recognize — buckle up. This year’s Duke team could look different. Practice standouts are already starting to force their way into consideration. Hungry guards. Lockdown wings. Underdogs who are tired of sitting.

And make no mistake: Scheyer loves it.

He’s not just coaching talent — he’s building a team that’s battle-tested before the season even tips off. The kind of team that doesn’t flinch in March because they’ve been fighting since July.

So, while fans debate starting lineups and media hypes the next big name, inside Duke’s gym, the truth is simple: talk less, grind more.

Because at Duke now, there’s only one way to rise:

Earn it.