.jpg)
2 hours ago
3
The Dallas Mavericks spent weeks searching for their next head coach. By the time that search ended Monday, it had created two very different reactions in college basketball.
Michigan was left looking for a replacement after national championship-winning coach Dusty May reportedly agreed to take the Dallas job. Duke, meanwhile, appeared more than happy to remind everyone that Jon Scheyer never seriously entertained leaving Durham. Shortly after reports surfaced that May was finalizing a deal with the Mavericks, Duke's men's basketball social media account posted a childhood photo of Scheyer wearing Blue Devils gear.
The timing immediately caught the attention of college basketball fans.
Whether it was intended as a subtle flex or simply a celebratory post, many viewed it as Duke's response to reports that Scheyer had turned down Dallas before the Mavericks ultimately hired May.
Mavericks reportedly made multiple runs at Scheyer
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Dallas pursued Scheyer aggressively during its coaching search. Speaking on First Take, Windhorst said the Mavericks made multiple attempts to convince Scheyer to leave Duke for the NBA. The franchise reportedly viewed him as one of its top targets as it searched for a successor to Jason Kidd.
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 22, 2026"Dusty May has been high on NBA teams lists as a guy they could get for a year or so now, even before he was a national champion coach," Windhorst said. "The Orlando Magic, I think, had some interest there. ... Masai Ujiri and the Mavericks really wanted a college coach. They tried multiple times, from what I am told, to talk Jon Scheyer into coming to Dallas. They made multiple runs."
The pursuit never gained traction. According to Goodman Hoops' Jeff Goodman, Scheyer declined the opportunity, forcing Dallas to continue exploring other options before eventually landing on May.
The Cooper Flagg connection made Scheyer a logical target
It wasn't difficult to understand Dallas' interest. The Mavericks are entering a new era built around Cooper Flagg, the former Duke superstar and No. 1 overall pick who is expected to become the face of the franchise. Scheyer coached Flagg during his lone college season and played a major role in helping him navigate the expectations that came with being one of the most hyped recruits in recent basketball history.
That existing relationship naturally made Scheyer an attractive candidate. Windhorst specifically noted the Flagg connection as part of Dallas' interest. The opportunity to reunite coach and player at the NBA level likely appealed to the Mavericks as they evaluated potential candidates.
Instead, Scheyer chose to remain at Duke.
MORE: 5 things Mavericks fans need to know about new head coach Dusty May
What Scheyer's decision says about Duke
For years, elite college coaches often viewed the NBA as the ultimate destination. Scheyer's decision suggests Duke remains one of the few jobs that can rival nearly any opportunity in basketball.
The 38-year-old inherited one of the sport's most iconic programs from Mike Krzyzewski and has continued to keep the Blue Devils among the nation's elite. Duke remains a recruiting powerhouse, consistently competes for ACC and national championships, and enters every season with Final Four expectations.
The Mavericks weren't offering just any NBA opening. They were offering a chance to coach one of the league's brightest young stars and lead a franchise that believes it can contend in the years ahead.
Scheyer still stayed put.
That fact alone probably made Monday a good day in Durham.
Dusty May became Dallas' choice
While much of the conversation centered around Scheyer, Dallas ultimately landed one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball.
May arrives after a remarkable two-year run at Michigan. He led the Wolverines to a 64-13 record, captured a Big Ten championship and delivered the program's first national title since 1989. Before Michigan, he transformed Florida Atlantic into a national story by leading the Owls to the 2023 Final Four. The Mavericks clearly believe May's ability to build rosters, develop players and establish winning cultures can translate to the NBA.
It's a significant loss for Michigan and a fascinating gamble for Dallas.
MORE: This is what a Timberwolves trade for Derrick White would look like
Duke may feel like the biggest winner
May is hardly a fallback option. He was one of the hottest coaching names in basketball long before Michigan won the national championship, and Dallas is betting he can help guide the franchise into its next chapter. Still, Monday's developments left Duke fans with plenty to celebrate. The Mavericks reportedly made multiple attempts to hire Scheyer. They offered him a chance to jump to the NBA, reunite with Cooper Flagg and coach one of the league's most intriguing young rosters.
Scheyer said no.
A short time later, Duke posted a childhood photo of its head coach proudly wearing Blue Devils gear. Maybe it was a coincidence. Judging by the reaction across social media, not many people seemed to think so.
More NBA news:
- This is what a Timberwolves trade for Derrick White would look like
- Tracking the latest trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Spurs predicted to cut ties with $229 million nightmare, acquire ex-Knicks All-Rookie guard
- Spurs predicted to outbid Warriors for $101 million Lakers star, four-time NBA champion
- Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore
English (US)