Can Scheyer Beat the Odds?
Your team is down 13 points with less than a minute and a half to go in the game. It's all over right? Not for Jon Scheyer, Duke's 6'5" starting guard. He was in that exact situation during his senior year of high school and put his entire team on his back, going on a tear for 21 points in that span, before fouling out as he brought his team within two points (He finished the game with 52 points, shooting 6-for-8 from long range). This outstanding, late game performance made Scheyer leap into the national headlines.
Since then, the two-time high school Gatorade State Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American has been nothing short of excellent in his four years with the Blue Devils. He has been a staple in the lineup and has been fortunate to have played alongside a few Duke stars over the years, including Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson. One thing that sets him apart from most players is his extremely high basketball IQ and unbelievable court vision. He is not your typical NBA prospect point guard. He won't break you down nor will he blow by you off of the dribble, yet he is still one of the most effective point guards in America. He serves as a constant threat to defenses due to his ability to set up teammates for open looks or because of the deep range and accuracy of his perimeter jump shot.
As of late, Scheyer has elevated his game into the national spotlight, averaging 21 points, just over 4 assists, and just under 4 rebounds per game over the last five games. He leads the Blue Devils in scoring (19.2 per game) and assists (5.4 per game). He has been playing so well that his name has been included in discussions for multiple post-season awards, including the Wooden and Naismith Awards given to the top player in the nation. His elite play has also put Duke in the discussion for a possible number-one seed come the NCAA Tournament.
Scheyer's postseason play could increase his chances of being drafted in June and becoming the next great Dukie to land on an NBA roster. But, will the odds just be too great for him to overcome?
By Peter Checki - 2-14-10
