Jon Scheyer and Johnny Dawkins Call It a Privilege to Compete as Coaches in Historic Clash at Cameron Indoor Stadium

When the schedule for the upcoming college basketball season was released, one matchup jumped off the page for Duke fans and basketball purists alike: Jon Scheyer vs. Johnny Dawkins at Cameron Indoor Stadium. It’s not just a game—it’s a moment of reverence, emotion, and deep history. Two men who share the same alma mater, same court, and same legacy will now stand on opposite benches in a setting that shaped both of their lives.

For Scheyer, Duke’s 36-year-old head coach entering his third season at the helm, the opportunity to welcome his mentor back to Durham was deeply meaningful. For Dawkins, now in his ninth year leading the UCF Knights and one of Duke’s all-time greats, the return to the storied arena where he starred under Mike Krzyzewski in the 1980s is a full-circle moment.

“Anytime you get a chance to coach at Cameron is special,” Dawkins said during a media availability following the announcement. “But to come back and go against someone like Jon—who I’ve known since he was a teenager, who’s part of the Duke family in every sense—it’s not just competition. It’s an honor.”

Dawkins’ history at Duke is foundational to the program’s rise. As Coach K’s first true star, he helped usher in a new era of Duke basketball. From 1982 to 1986, Dawkins compiled 2,556 points—a school record until JJ Redick surpassed it two decades later—and led the Blue Devils to a national title game appearance in 1986. His jersey, No. 24, hangs in the rafters of Cameron Indoor, a symbol of his immense contribution to the program’s lore.

After a decade-long NBA career, Dawkins returned to Duke as an assistant under Krzyzewski from 1998 to 2008. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Scheyer, a highly touted recruit from Illinois who would go on to captain the Blue Devils to the 2010 national championship.

“I learned so much from Coach Dawkins,” Scheyer said. “I was just a freshman when I got here, but you could tell how much he cared—not just about basketball, but about making us better people. He’s a big reason I wanted to coach.”

Their bond, built over years of practices, team meals, and long talks in the locker room, is one of mutual respect. And while the competition on the floor will be fierce, both men are embracing the emotional weight of the moment.

“This game goes beyond Xs and Os,” Scheyer said. “It’s about connection. Johnny helped lay the foundation here. For us to now be leading our respective programs and sharing the same floor, in this cathedral of basketball—it’s hard to put into words.”

The matchup is part of Duke’s non-conference schedule and represents a rare home-and-home series between the Blue Devils and UCF. But beyond the logistics, it’s the symbolism that resonates most.

“You always dream about moments like this,” said Dawkins. “To return to the place that molded you, and to do it not as a player or assistant but as a head coach—it’s humbling. And then to see someone like Jon on the other sideline? It makes you proud.”

For Duke’s fanbase, the nostalgia is already brewing. Students who weren’t even born when Dawkins was electrifying Cameron will get a chance to watch him stride the sideline once again. Longtime fans will remember the battles he fought against ACC rivals, his midrange jumper, and his quiet leadership. Now, they’ll witness the next chapter—one where legacy meets legacy, and respect runs deeper than rivalry.

Scheyer, who succeeded the legendary Krzyzewski in 2022, has quickly established himself as a poised and intelligent leader. He guided Duke to an ACC Tournament title in his first season and is now reloading with a mix of top-tier recruits and experienced returners. His coaching style—marked by calm confidence and trust in his players—has drawn praise from peers and pundits alike.

Dawkins, meanwhile, has steadily built UCF into a competitive program in the Big 12, known for its defensive tenacity and disciplined execution. His teams play with heart, much like he did as a player. Under his guidance, UCF reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2019 and nearly upset Zion Williamson’s Duke team in a game that went down to the final seconds.

That near-upset, ironically, was one of the most emotional moments in recent Duke history. Dawkins’ son, Aubrey, was the star of that game for UCF, scoring 32 points and narrowly missing a tip-in at the buzzer that would’ve dethroned his father’s alma mater. It was heartbreak and pride wrapped in one unforgettable night.

“March 2019 was emotional, no doubt,” Dawkins reflected. “But it reminded me why we love this game. And to now come back again, to face Jon in this building—it’s another chapter in that journey.”

When asked how he plans to handle the emotions of seeing Dawkins walk into Cameron from the opposing tunnel, Scheyer smiled.

“I’m going to try to beat him,” he said with a laugh. “That’s what he’d expect. That’s what Coach K taught us both. Compete hard, but never forget the respect. He’s someone I’ve looked up to since I was 18 years old. That doesn’t change.”

Dawkins echoed the same sentiment.

“There’s no question—we’re going to try to win,” he said. “But win or lose, I’m going to give Jon a hug after the game and tell him how proud I am.”

Both coaches emphasized the importance of showcasing excellence—not just on the court, but in leadership. In an era where college basketball is changing rapidly due to NIL, the transfer portal, and realignment, moments like these offer grounding. Two former players, now mentors, standing where their journeys began, modeling the values that made Duke basketball what it is.

As tipoff draws closer, excitement is building. Tickets for the game sold out within minutes. ESPN has already earmarked the matchup as a “must-watch” contest, and it’s likely to draw a national audience. But inside the walls of Cameron Indoor Stadium, it won’t just be another game.

It will be a night of echoes and memories. The sound of sneakers squeaking on the same floor that saw Dawkins’ reverse layups and Scheyer’s clutch threes. The sight of banners that both men helped raise. The shared smiles before the game, and the fierce focus once it begins.

“This isn’t about us,” Scheyer said. “It’s about Duke. About everything that brought us to this point. I’m grateful Johnny is part of it.”

For Dawkins, the sentiment is mutual.

“I’m blessed to coach this game,” he said. “And I’m blessed to call Jon a friend. That’s the true victory.”

In a world of rivalries, this one will stand out for its grace. Because while one team will walk away with the win, both programs—and everyone watching—will witness something greater: a celebration of legacy, loyalty, and the enduring power of basketball to unite generations.

As the countdown begins, Duke fans can be certain of one thing: when Jon Scheyer and Johnny Dawkins shake hands at center court, it won’t just be a gesture of sportsmanship. It will be a reminder of what makes Cameron Indoor so sacred—and why the Duke brotherhood continues to thrive.