BREAKING: Jon Scheyer and Fans Celebrate the Return of Former Duke Star G…

BREAKING: Jon Scheyer and Fans Celebrate the Return of Former Duke StarGrayson Allen to the Program

 

DURHAM, N.C. — April 20, 2025

 

In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the college basketball world, Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer and legions of loyal Duke fans are celebrating the triumphant return of one of the most polarizing and passionate players in recent program history — Grayson Allen.

 

On Saturday afternoon, Duke University officially announced that Allen, the former All-American guard and 2015 national champion, is returning to the program — not as a player this time, but as an assistant coach on Jon Scheyer’s staff. The announcement has immediately reignited nostalgia among Duke fans while simultaneously signaling a bold new chapter in the Blue Devils’ ongoing basketball legacy.

 

A Full-Circle Moment for a Blue Devil Legend

 

Grayson Allen, who last suited up for Duke in 2018 and went on to have a productive NBA career with teams like the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, and most recently, the Phoenix Suns, expressed his excitement about returning to the place that helped shape him.

 

“This is home,” Allen said during the press conference held at Cameron Indoor Stadium. “To come back and be part of a program that means so much to me — not just as a player, but now as a mentor and coach — is something I’ve dreamed about for years.”

 

Allen, who was known for his fiery competitiveness and clutch shooting, brings a unique blend of firsthand Duke experience and professional basketball insight to the coaching staff.

 

Head coach Jon Scheyer, who played alongside Allen in his own coaching transition under Mike Krzyzewski, was visibly thrilled.

 

“Grayson knows what it means to wear this jersey. He’s been through the battles, won a championship, and understands the standard of excellence here. He’s going to be a tremendous asset — not just in skill development, but in building that winning culture.”

 

Reuniting with the Brotherhood

 

Allen’s return also underscores the strength and continuity of the “Duke Brotherhood,” the phrase often used to describe the close-knit network of former Duke players that remain involved with the program long after graduation.

 

Former teammates like Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, Luke Kennard, and Quinn Cook were quick to flood social media with congratulatory messages.

 

“Coach Allen has a nice ring to it,” tweeted Kennard. “Let’s gooooo!”

 

Tyus Jones, who famously led Duke to the 2015 national title alongside Allen, wrote: “He was built for this. Can’t wait to see what’s next for my brother.”

 

Fan Reactions Pour In

 

The news sent Duke’s rabid fan base into overdrive. Within minutes of the announcement, #GraysonReturns and #DukeNation were trending nationwide. On campus, students gathered outside Cameron Indoor Stadium to chant Allen’s name and celebrate his return, some even donning throwback jerseys from his college playing days.

 

“It’s surreal,” said Duke junior Elena McCarthy. “I grew up watching Grayson dive on the floor, hit game-winners, and now he’s going to be back here — it’s like watching a superhero come back home.”

 

The Scheyer Era Continues to Evolve

 

With the addition of Allen, Jon Scheyer continues to make bold moves in his tenure as head coach, which began after Coach K’s retirement in 2022. Under Scheyer, Duke has remained a powerhouse, reaching the Final Four in 2023 and consistently landing top-tier recruiting classes.

 

Allen’s return could also impact recruiting in a major way. As someone who played and thrived under Coach K, succeeded in the NBA, and now returns to mentor future Blue Devils, Allen’s presence could be a compelling pitch to elite prospects looking to follow a similar path.

 

Looking Ahead

 

While the immediate buzz is about nostalgia and homecoming, Allen is focused on the future.

 

“I want to help these guys grow, help this team win, and keep Duke basketball where it belongs — at the top,” he said.

 

When asked whether coaching has always been a dream of his, Allen smiled.

 

“Coaching was always in the back of my mind, but coming back to Duke? That was always the plan. This is where I belong.”

 

As Duke looks to build on its storied legacy, the return of Grayson Allen feels like the merging of past glory with present ambition. And for fans in Durham and beyond, it’s a sign that the Brotherhood isn’t just a slogan — it’s a living, breathing tradition.