Imagine stepping onto the court at Duke University, where the air buzzes with tradition and high stakes, only to learn that true basketball greatness hinges on mastering the 'invisible' side of the game. That's the provocative philosophy behind Coach Jon Scheyer's '98 percent' mantra—a refreshing twist on the old 100 percent effort cliché that could redefine how we view success in sports. But here's where it gets intriguing: What if the flashy shots and slam dunks aren't what clinch victories? Let's dive into why this approach is sparking debates among fans and experts alike, and how it's shaping the Blue Devils' pursuit of glory.
Durham, North Carolina, home to one of college basketball's most storied programs, welcomes newcomers to Duke with an immediate immersion into Coach Jon Scheyer's unconventional '98 percent' principle. While coaches across all athletic disciplines push athletes toward giving their absolute best every moment, Scheyer flips the script with a nuanced perspective that emphasizes the grind behind the spotlight.
As Scheyer explained during last week's ACC Tipoff event, the core idea revolves around cultivating unwavering consistency in those 'off-the-ball' actions that define a player's impact without the basketball actually in their grasp. Drawing from his experiences as both a player and a coach, he highlights that the standout squads he participated in excelled precisely because they prioritized this '98 percent'—think relentless rebounding, an unyielding 'next-play' attitude, and rock-solid defensive efforts.
This philosophy isn't just preached; it's ingrained through hands-on practice drills, meticulous film reviews, and a steady stream of reinforcement. The underlying message? In the vast majority of game situations—unless you're the point guard orchestrating plays—the ball touches your hands for just about two percent of the time. Sure, a superstar can erupt for 30 points and steal the show, or sink a buzzer-beating three-pointer that goes viral. Yet, for the most part, the outcome of wins and losses boils down to that other 98 percent: the subtle, gritty details that often escape the highlight reels.
And this is the part most people miss... The 'devil is in the details,' as the saying goes, and Scheyer's approach shines a light on why those overlooked elements can make or break a team. Picture a loose ball bouncing wildly—it's the player who dives across the floor to secure it who turns a potential turnover into an opportunity. Or consider the defensive deflection that disrupts an opponent's rhythm, or the instinctive positioning that allows a teammate to rotate seamlessly. These aren't glamorous plays, but they're the building blocks of championship-caliber play.
Take last year's Blue Devils squad as a prime example. They boasted some of the country's most talented players, led by the freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who many pegged as the nation's top recruit. But what truly set them apart, according to Scheyer, was their deep commitment to the '98 percent' mantra. It wasn't just about raw skill; it was about embracing those unheralded efforts that amplified their strengths.
For rookies transitioning from high school, this represents a significant mindset shift. In prep leagues, players often dominate with the ball constantly in their hands, fueling their reputations and recruiting buzz. Rankings and evaluations hinge on those high-usage moments where they shine individually. But the reality of elite-level basketball tells a different story.
But here's where it gets controversial... Scheyer points out that high ball-handling stats, once a badge of honor, are now seen as a liability. In the NBA, scouts increasingly favor 'low-usage' players—those versatile athletes who thrive without needing the ball glued to their palms. This flips traditional recruiting wisdom on its head. Is relying on stars with the ball 98 percent of the time outdated, or does it still hold value in today's game? Debate rages on, but Scheyer argues it's a 'negative thing' that modern pros are steering clear of.
This season's Duke roster, currently sitting at No. 6 in the AP preseason poll, blends seasoned veterans with exciting newcomers, creating a fascinating mix. Veterans like junior Caleb Foster and senior Maliq Brown provide leadership, while five-star recruits such as the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, Sebastian Wilkins, Nik Khamenia, and Italian freshman Dame Sarr add fresh energy. 'The freshmen know what the standard is at Duke, they know what the deal is,' Brown remarked, underscoring the program's high expectations.
Foster echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of 'not letting the 98 percent slip' amid the influx of new talent. In college hoops, where the path to a national title is razor-thin, every small detail counts. To illustrate, Foster leads by diving for rebounds, hustling on defense, and exemplifying that relentless work ethic. 'You have to master the details to win at the highest levels,' he stated at the ACC Tipoff, reminding everyone that championships are won in the trenches, not just on the scoreboard.
One player who's poised for growth is Isaiah Evans, the lanky 6-foot-6 sophomore affectionately dubbed 'Slim.' Evans dazzled last year with a 41.6 percent success rate from beyond the arc, including a memorable six threes in a thrilling victory over then-No. 2 Auburn, culminating in 18 points in the opening half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Scheyer sees immense potential in enhancing Evans' shooting prowess, but the focus has shifted to rounding out his game. 'The most important thing, and we've addressed this, is his defense, his off-the-ball activity, his rebounding. And also finding different ways to score, particularly getting to the free throw line,' Scheyer explained. This holistic development aims to make Evans a consistent force in all facets of winning, not just as a sharpshooter.
Players who fully adopt the '98 percent' rule and its rigorous demands are likely to see more floor time. Last year's ACC champions and Final Four contenders exemplified this, and Scheyer's current depth gives him plenty of options. The Boozer twins will undoubtedly share significant minutes, while Foster and Brown, once healthy, will anchor the rotation. Evans, too, will expand his offensive role. Yet, as Scheyer firmly states, 'There's no such thing as 'It's my turn now' or 'It's just going to happen now.'' Everyone, regardless of pedigree, must earn their spot through performance.
Before the 2025-26 season kicks off on November 4 against Texas in the Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte, Duke has exhibition matchups against Central Florida on October 21 and Tennessee on October 26. These tune-ups will help refine their execution of the '98 percent' philosophy.
The sting of last year's Final Four semifinal defeat to Houston still motivates Brown and Foster, fueling their drive for redemption. 'The holy grail of college basketball is being in the Final Four,' Scheyer declared. Seasons end in either triumph or sorrow, with no middle ground. Though heartbreak defined their 2025 campaign, Scheyer urges persevering to secure those coveted 'at-bats' and then capitalizing fully. The 2026 Final Four, hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, looms as the ultimate target. 'If you keep putting yourself in that position, ultimately it's going to happen,' he believes.
In this era of flashy highlights and individual brilliance, is Scheyer's '98 percent' mantra a revolutionary strategy or an overemphasis on the mundane? Could prioritizing team-oriented details overshadow the thrill of star power that fans crave? And what about the broader implications—does this shift the focus too far from developing elite scorers in a game that often rewards them? We'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you agree that the 'invisible' work wins games, or is there still room for the lone hero to carry the day? Share your opinions in the comments below—let's discuss!
With over 40 years at The N&O, Chip Alexander has chronicled the Tar Heels, Wolfpack, Blue Devils, and Pirates, and is now in his 15th year covering the Carolina Hurricanes. A multiple award-winning journalist, he witnessed the Hurricanes' 1997 relocation to North Carolina and contributed to their 2006 Stanley Cup championship coverage.
