When Maliq Brown arrived at Duke, he knew he was joining one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. The banners hanging in Cameron Indoor spoke for themselves — the legacy of Krzyzewski, the fierce rivalries, the national titles, and the pressure that comes with wearing Duke blue. But what Brown didn’t fully expect was the deeply human element Jon Scheyer would bring to the table. To him, the head coach wasn’t just the guy barking instructions from the sideline or drawing plays in the final seconds. Jon Scheyer was a mentor, a listener, and above all, a leader who placed his players at the heart of everything he did.

Brown recently opened up about his experience under Scheyer, and his words painted a vivid picture of a coach who is quickly becoming known for more than just his basketball IQ. “Coach Scheyer really cares about us as people,” Brown said. “He’s not just trying to develop us into better players — he’s trying to help us become better men.” That distinction might seem small to the casual observer, but in the high-pressure world of Duke basketball, it’s what sets Scheyer apart.

Scheyer’s transition into the head coaching role came with immense expectations. Replacing a living legend like Mike Krzyzewski is no small task. Every move he made was under a microscope. But instead of trying to imitate his predecessor, Scheyer leaned into his own identity — one built on empathy, connection, and a deep respect for the modern player’s needs. He didn’t just want to win games; he wanted to create a culture where players felt valued beyond their stat lines.

Brown has flourished in that environment. A versatile forward known for his defensive tenacity and unselfish play, Brown has consistently carved out a role through effort, energy, and adaptability. But even when his minutes fluctuated or when the spotlight dimmed on his individual contributions, Brown felt supported. “There were times when I struggled,” he admitted. “But Coach Scheyer was always in my ear, encouraging me, reminding me of my value to the team. That kind of trust gives you confidence.”

One of the most compelling things about Scheyer’s leadership is his openness. Players talk about how he invites feedback, how practices often include moments for real dialogue, not just drills and discipline. Brown explained how the culture Scheyer built feels collaborative. “He asks us what we see on the floor. He wants our input. It’s not just ‘do this, do that.’ It’s ‘what are you seeing out there? How can we adjust?’ That shows how much he respects us as basketball minds.”

That respect is mutual. Brown and his teammates have bought into Scheyer’s system because they see how deeply invested he is in their success. Whether it’s helping a player navigate academic challenges, supporting them through personal struggles, or making sure they understand the broader context of life beyond basketball, Scheyer is all in. And he doesn’t do it for praise — he does it because he believes in building complete people, not just athletes.

Scheyer’s player-first approach also extends to recruiting. He’s not just targeting talent — he’s targeting character. He wants young men who will embrace the team-first mentality, who will commit to the grind, and who will thrive in an environment that values selflessness. Brown sees that in the incoming freshmen and transfers — guys who understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. “You can tell right away if someone fits our culture,” Brown said. “Coach Scheyer is real about that during the recruiting process. He’s not selling a dream. He’s telling you what it takes to be successful here — and what kind of brotherhood you’re joining.”

The results speak for themselves. Duke has remained nationally relevant under Scheyer, not just because of talent, but because of cohesion. Players fight for each other. There’s a noticeable chemistry that translates into defensive intensity, offensive unselfishness, and the kind of grit that wins tight games. Brown credits much of that to Scheyer’s steady hand and consistent messaging. “He never panics. He’s always calm, always composed. That rubs off on us. No matter what’s going on — whether we’re up ten or down ten — he believes in us.”

Off the court, Scheyer’s commitment to his players continues. Brown recounted how the coaching staff makes time for film sessions that don’t just focus on missed rotations or turnovers, but on personal growth — watching body language, leadership moments, how guys respond to adversity. “They’re teaching us how to lead,” Brown said. “They want us to understand the game, but also understand ourselves. That’s rare.”

And it’s not just Scheyer doing the work. His entire staff echoes that same player-first mindset. Assistant coaches are deeply involved in mentorship, and the culture of support runs throughout the program. It’s a daily effort, built on trust and consistency, not gimmicks. Brown said players feel that trust in everything — from game planning to how injuries are handled, to how celebrations are shared. “It’s all about the team,” he emphasized. “And that starts at the top.”

There’s also something to be said for how Scheyer handles pressure. In the hypercritical world of college basketball, especially at a blue blood program like Duke, every loss is magnified. But Brown admires how Scheyer never lets the outside noise affect the team’s internal focus. “He tells us to block it out,” Brown said. “To control what we can control. And he practices what he preaches. He doesn’t lash out after a bad game. He just gets back to work.”

That mentality has helped players like Brown develop mental toughness. They know they’re going to face adversity — tough road games, hostile crowds, shooting slumps — but they also know they have a coach who won’t waver in his belief in them. “When your coach believes in you, it changes everything,” Brown said. “You start believing in yourself in a different way.”

Scheyer’s approach is especially resonant in a time when college basketball is evolving rapidly. Between NIL deals, the transfer portal, and the increasingly professional nature of the sport, coaches are being challenged to adapt. Scheyer hasn’t shied away from that. He’s embraced it. He talks openly with his players about branding, about opportunities, about preparing for the next level. And he does it without jealousy or resentment — he does it because he wants what’s best for them.

That honesty has created an atmosphere where players feel free to be themselves. “We can come to him about anything,” Brown said. “Basketball, life, family — he’s always there.” That accessibility is not just refreshing, it’s transformative. In a world where many coaches keep a certain distance, Scheyer is breaking that mold.

Brown isn’t the only one who feels this way. Across the roster, players echo similar sentiments about their head coach. They talk about his basketball mind, yes — his ability to make in-game adjustments, to identify matchups, to design plays. But what comes up more often is his humanity. The little things — the check-in texts, the one-on-one meetings, the laughs shared in the locker room — are what make the biggest difference.

It’s those small gestures, done consistently, that have built the trust Duke players feel today. Trust that fuels buy-in. Buy-in that leads to unity. Unity that powers winning. It’s a cycle, and it all begins with Scheyer’s leadership.

As for Brown, his experience at Duke under Scheyer has been nothing short of formative. He speaks with a quiet confidence, a maturity that reflects the environment he’s grown in. “This place has changed me,” he said. “And Coach Scheyer has been a huge part of that.”

As the Blue Devils prepare for another season filled with expectations, rivalries, and championship dreams, one thing remains clear — the culture Jon Scheyer is building is as real as it gets. It’s not just about winning banners, though those will surely come. It’s about building people. And as Maliq Brown can attest, that might be the most important victory of all.