Jayson Tatum opens up on his close bond with Duke HC Jon Scheyer: "That's what you want to see in somebody that is gonna be a head coach"

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Jayson Tatum opens up on his close bond with Duke HC Jon Scheyer (Image Source: IMAGN)
Jayson Tatum opens up on his close bond with Duke HC Jon Scheyer (Image Source: IMAGN)

Boston Celtics forward and Duke alumnus Jayson Tatum opened up about his close relationship with Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer, saying their bond dates back to when he was a young player in Milwaukee.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time All-NBA First Team awardee spoke about his friendship with Scheyer during the 50th episode of "The Brotherhood Podcast" with former Blue Devils captain Amile Jefferson.

Tatum, who played for one season at Duke in 2016-17, recalled how Scheyer recruited him when he was a teenage hooper in Milwaukee. The recruiting process bonded them closely, helping the young forward get familiar with the Blue Devils' system.

"We were super close when I was at Duke and still to this day like we all in a group message," Tatum told Jefferson (13:10). "We talked to Jon if not every day, every other day."

The 6-foot-8 forward saw the qualities that would make Scheyer the perfect replacement for legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Tatum noted that Scheyer's playing experience benefited him, as he had a feel for the game and was eager to help young players develop to their fullest potential.

"I could always see it when I was there he was young. He was driven he was motivated," Tatum said about Scheyer (13:21) "That's what you want to see in somebody that is going to be a head coach one day."
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Jayson Tatum thanks Duke for preparing him for the big stage

Jayson Tatum was grateful for his one-year stint at Duke, saying it helped him get used to the national spotlight in the NBA.

The forward believes that Duke is a special place, as it has been a stepping stone for many one-and-done players to reach professional leagues like the NBA. The exposure during his time with the Blue Devils helped him adjust to the daily rigors of professional basketball.

"For a lot of guys it's a segue to get to the next level and what better way than to play for the biggest college program in basketball that there is," Tatum said (15:35).
"Twenty-five-plus national TV games. That's more than half the NBA teams. So once I got to Boston it just felt like I've been I've been here before."

Jayson Tatum also advised the current roster, led by five-star freshman Cooper Flagg, to enjoy the remaining moments they’re about to experience at Duke. He urged them to stay present and savor those priceless moments because they’ll never be able to get that time back.

Boston Celtics Nation! You can check out the latest Boston Celtics Schedule and dive into the Celtics Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

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Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro
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