Here’s a bold statement: In the high-stakes world of college basketball, where every shot and every second counts, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer is flipping the script with a mantra that’s as unconventional as it is powerful—the ‘98 percent’ rule. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most coaches preach giving 100 percent, Scheyer argues that it’s the other 98 percent—the hustle, the defense, the off-ball plays—that truly separates the good from the great. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about the highlight-reel dunks or game-winning threes; it’s about the gritty, often unnoticed details that decide championships.
In Durham, players stepping into Duke’s basketball program are quickly immersed in Scheyer’s philosophy. Unlike the typical ‘give it your all’ mantra, Scheyer’s approach focuses on consistency in the small things—rebounding, defensive positioning, and the next-play mentality. ‘The best teams I’ve been a part of,’ Scheyer explained at the ACC Tipoff, ‘are the ones that master the 98 percent.’ This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a mindset drilled into players through real-time practice, film sessions, and relentless repetition.
Here’s the eye-opener: For most players, the ball is in their hands a mere 2 percent of the time. Sure, a 30-point outburst can steal the show, but games are often won or lost in the 98 percent—the loose balls, the deflections, the defensive rotations that don’t make the ESPN highlights. Take last year’s Blue Devils, led by phenom freshman Cooper Flagg. They were as talented as any team in the nation, but what set them apart was their buy-in to Scheyer’s mantra. Diving for loose balls, locking down defensively, and playing with awareness became their calling card.
‘It’s a huge adjustment for high school players,’ Scheyer noted. ‘They’re used to being the focal point, judged by their scoring. But the NBA now values low-usage guys—players who thrive without the ball.’ This shift in focus is evident in this year’s Duke squad, ranked No. 6 in the AP preseason poll. A mix of seasoned veterans like junior Caleb Foster and senior Maliq Brown, alongside five-star recruits like the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, are all being molded into Scheyer’s vision.
Foster puts it bluntly: ‘In college basketball, the margin for error is razor-thin if you want to win a championship. You can’t let the 98 percent slip.’ He leads by example, crashing the boards and anchoring the defense. Meanwhile, players like Isaiah ‘Slim’ Evans, a sharpshooting sophomore, are being challenged to expand their game beyond scoring. ‘His defense, rebounding, and off-ball activity are what will take him to the next level,’ Scheyer said.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Scheyer’s focus on the 98 percent a genius strategy or an overemphasis on the mundane? Some might argue that basketball is still a game of stars and big moments. But Scheyer’s track record—an ACC championship and a Final Four appearance last season—suggests he’s onto something. As the Blue Devils gear up for the 2025-26 season, with exhibition games against Central Florida and Tennessee before facing Texas in November, one thing is clear: the 98 percent isn’t just a mantra—it’s a blueprint for success.
And as Brown and Foster still feel the sting of last year’s Final Four loss to Houston, they’re using it as fuel. ‘The Final Four is the holy grail,’ Scheyer said. ‘It’s glory or heartbreak, and last year was heartbreak. But if you keep putting yourself in that position, eventually, you’ll break through.’
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Scheyer’s 98 percent philosophy is the future of basketball, or is it overlooking the impact of individual brilliance? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
