Jon Scheyer Considers Reviving Retired Jerseys at Duke as Program Looks to Reconnect with Its Storied Past and Inspire Future
In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, traditions are often the pillars that keep programs grounded through the changes. For Duke University, few traditions are more sacred than the iconic banners hanging in the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium—retired jerseys that represent the most legendary players ever to wear the Blue Devils uniform. Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Shane Battier, J.J. Redick, and many more are immortalized above the court, reminders of the excellence that defines Duke basketball. Now, in a surprising and potentially controversial twist, head coach Jon Scheyer is considering the idea of reviving those retired jerseys—not to take away their honor, but to repurpose their significance for a new generation.
Scheyer, entering his third season as head coach, is reportedly in the early stages of internal discussions with Duke’s athletic department and key stakeholders about what it would look like to allow current players to wear the retired numbers once again. The idea is not to diminish the contributions of those who came before, but to elevate them—to give the next generation of Duke stars the opportunity to honor program legends by playing in their numbers, embodying the same standards of excellence, discipline, and leadership.
“Every time we walk into Cameron and look up at those jerseys, it’s a reminder of the legacy we’re carrying,” Scheyer said recently. “But maybe there’s a way to bring that legacy closer to the players on the court. Not just as history—but as inspiration.”
This concept is still very much in the exploratory phase, and no final decision has been made. However, the conversation has already sparked strong reactions among fans, alumni, and former players. The idea of un-retiring numbers is unorthodox, especially at a place like Duke, where reverence for tradition runs deep. Still, Scheyer’s thought process stems from a deep respect for that tradition—and a desire to evolve how it’s honored.
According to sources close to the program, Scheyer envisions a model where the retired numbers are not simply put back into circulation, but where their legacy is actively passed down. Players who earn the right—through work ethic, leadership, and a commitment to the program—could be selected to wear a legendary number, with the blessing of the original player and the coaching staff. Think of it as a “legacy number,” rather than just a jersey.
For example, a future Duke player could wear No. 32, not just because they like the number, but because they’ve been chosen to carry on Christian Laettner’s legacy—a legacy of winning, toughness, and big-game brilliance. Before putting on the jersey, that player might sit down with Laettner himself, hear stories from his time at Duke, and understand exactly what that number means.
“It’s not about taking anything away,” Scheyer said. “It’s about adding meaning. We want our guys to know who came before them—not just in pictures or highlight reels, but in the very fabric of what they wear.”
The concept isn’t entirely new in sports. LSU football, for example, has long used jersey numbers as legacy honors—giving No. 7 to its most dynamic playmaker and No. 18 to its best leader. The idea is to turn a number into a badge of honor, something earned rather than chosen. Scheyer is intrigued by applying that model to Duke basketball, albeit with careful thought and respect for what those numbers already represent.
Some within the Duke community are enthusiastic about the possibility. It would create a new layer of storytelling, deepen the connection between past and present, and potentially motivate current players to live up to the program’s high standards. It could also be a way for the program to lean into the modern era, where players are more brand-aware and traditions need to adapt to remain relevant.
Others, however, are more cautious. Retiring a jersey is traditionally a final honor—the ultimate recognition that no one else will wear that number because it belongs solely to the legend who made it iconic. Reintroducing those numbers could be seen by some as diminishing that exclusivity, or as an unnecessary break from tradition.
“I’m not sure how I feel about it,” one former Duke player said anonymously. “On one hand, I love the idea of guys earning those numbers. On the other, it’s hard to imagine anyone else wearing No. 11 besides Hurley or No. 32 besides Laettner.”
That tension is exactly what Scheyer and Duke officials are trying to balance. The idea wouldn’t be implemented hastily, and any player given the opportunity to wear a legacy number would go through a rigorous selection process. The approval of the original jersey holder would also be critical.
“If Grant Hill isn’t okay with someone wearing No. 33, then it won’t happen,” a program source clarified. “This isn’t about erasing anyone’s place in Duke history—it’s about enhancing it.”
From a logistical standpoint, there’s also a practical angle to consider. Duke has retired 13 numbers, which limits the options for incoming players. As college basketball rosters continue to grow with redshirts, walk-ons, and expanded rotations, the available jersey numbers become tighter. Un-retiring numbers—especially under a legacy model—could alleviate that issue while adding meaning.
For Scheyer, the push isn’t just about numbers on jerseys. It’s part of a broader effort to maintain Duke’s identity in an era of constant change. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters yearly, NIL opportunities influencing recruiting, and fan expectations remaining sky-high, building and sustaining a unified culture is more important than ever.
“We’re trying to build something that lasts,” Scheyer said. “We don’t want our players to just be here for a year—we want them to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
The potential return of retired jerseys could also serve as a powerful recruiting tool. Imagine a top-10 recruit walking into Cameron Indoor and being told: “You could be the next Blue Devil to wear No. 5—the same number worn by Jason Williams. But you have to earn it.” It’s an enticing proposition, one that connects past glory to future opportunity.
Whether the idea ultimately takes form or not, the conversation itself says a great deal about Scheyer’s approach as Duke’s head coach. He’s not content to simply follow in Mike Krzyzewski’s footsteps—he’s looking to innovate, to evolve, and to keep Duke’s traditions alive in a modern context.
“Coach K built the foundation,” Scheyer said. “Now it’s our job to build on it—respectfully, creatively, and with the same commitment to excellence.”
That’s a delicate task, and not every idea will land perfectly with every segment of the fan base. But Scheyer’s willingness to explore new avenues, while keeping the core values of the program intact, shows a coach who understands the balance between reverence and relevance.
At the heart of the discussion is a simple question: how do you honor the past while inspiring the present?
If bringing back retired jerseys—under a legacy model steeped in meaning, mentorship, and earned privilege—can help answer that question, then Jon Scheyer might just be on to something powerful.
No decision has been finalized, and any move would require the support of athletic director Nina King, former players, and likely university administration. But the fact that it’s being considered at all shows that the future of Duke basketball is in thoughtful, steady hands—ones willing to look upward at the rafters and ask not just what those names represent, but how they can continue to live on, not just above the court, but on it.
