In a stunning turn of events, Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer has reportedly been left heartbroken and disillusioned following a shocking statement from NBA officials that could have long-lasting implications for college basketball programs across the country.
According to sources close to the situation, NBA executives have expressed strong support for accelerating the implementation of a controversial new policy: eliminating the “one-and-done” rule, allowing players to enter the NBA directly from high school once again. While the league has flirted with this idea for years, the most recent statement from top NBA officials signals that the change is not only imminent — it’s inevitable.
The Statement That Shook College Hoops
During a press conference earlier this week, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced, “We believe the time has come to give players more autonomy over their careers. The league is actively working with the NBPA to finalize the return of direct-from-high-school eligibility by the 2026 NBA Draft.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through college basketball circles, but nowhere was the impact felt more personally than in Durham. Jon Scheyer, who has only been at the helm of Duke’s storied basketball program since 2021, has built his team around elite one-and-done talent — much like his predecessor, Mike Krzyzewski.
For Scheyer, the news was more than just policy — it was personal.
Scheyer’s Emotional Response
Sources inside Duke’s basketball program revealed that Scheyer was visibly emotional after hearing the NBA’s plans, reportedly telling staff, “I feel like the foundation we’re building is being pulled out from under us.” While he’s long advocated for player empowerment, the coach fears this change will make it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain elite talent.
Scheyer has worked tirelessly to secure top-five recruiting classes each year, leaning heavily on NBA-ready prospects who commit to Duke for a single season before heading to the draft. With the new rule, those same athletes may bypass the college experience altogether — a move that could drastically shift the competitive balance in NCAA basketball.
What It Means for Duke and Beyond
