The Next Time Fans, Spectators Are In The Stands At Cameron Indoor Stadium Jon Scheyer Is Going To Be The Head Coach Of Duke Because Mike Krzyzewski Coached His Final Home Game As Head Coach Saturday
Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium, the crown jewel of college basketball's classic venues, has become one of the most formidable environments for visiting teams. The Blue Devils have called the iconic venue home for 80 years and have won nearly 85 percent of the games on its hallowed hardwood.
More than a few of those victories have been influenced by the electric atmosphere within its Gothic halls.
Legend has it that it all began with a book of matches, which for a town and a school founded on local tobacco fortunes, seems a promising way to start.
It was on the cover of a book of matches that Eddie Cameron and Wallace Wade first sketched out the plan for Duke's Indoor Stadium in 1935. The story may be a myth (the matchbook has never been found), but then the Indoor Stadium that emerged from those first scribblings lends itself to the propagation of myths.
For more than seven decades, spectators, players and coaches have understood the unique magic of the Indoor Stadium. The building was dedicated to longtime Duke Athletic Director and basketball coach Eddie Cameron, a legend in his own right, on January 22, 1972. An unranked Duke team upset then third-ranked North Carolina, 76-74, after Robby West drove the length of the court to hit a pull-up jumper to win the game.
It's the intimacy of the arena, the unique seating arrangement that puts the wildest fans right down on the floor with the players. It's the legends that were made there, the feeling of history being made with every game. And it's something more than either of these, something indescribable that comes from the building itself. No one who has experienced it will ever forget it.
The Building
Whether or not the matchbook story is true, it is a fact that the official architectural plans for the Stadium were drawn up by the Philadelphia firm of Horace Trumbauer, Architect. Trumbauer was a self-made man, a poor boy who left school at 16 to apprentice himself as a draftsman to a local architect. In 1890, at the age of 22, he opened his own office and quickly rose to prominence in the Northeast. His designs for the mansions and estates of wealthy northeastern magnates brought him to the attention of James Buchanan Duke, North Carolina tobacco baron. Duke commissioned the architect to design his New York town home during the early part of the century.
In 1924, when Duke created the $40 million Duke Endowment that turned Trinity College into Duke University, he called on Trumbauer to design the new University Campus.
In recent years it has come to light that the plans for the campus, as well as designs for later buildings including the stadium, were drawn up not by Trumbauer himself (although his name appeared on all the blueprints) but by his chief designer, Julian Abele, one of the nation's first black architects. Abele, a brilliant architecture student at the University of Pennsylvania, was brought to Trumbauer's attention shortly after his graduation in 1902. Trumbauer was so impressed with Abele's talents that he not only hired him but paid his way through the prestigious Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Abele stands as the first African-American ever to graduate from the school.
The original design for the Indoor Stadium was significantly less grand than the one from which the building was actually constructed. That first plan called for 5,000 basketball "sittings," and even that number was considered extravagant, at least by Trumbauer, who originally had proposed 4,000 seats. In a letter to Dr. William P. Few, President of Duke, Trumbauer said: "For your information Yale has in its new gymnasium a basket ball (sic) court with settings for 1,600 ... I think the settings for 8,000 people is rather liberal ... the Palestra at the University of Pennsylvania seats 9,000."
The original building was a domed structure with 16-feet steel ceiling spans and a 90-by 45-foot playing court. Obviously, Dr. Few must have insisted on something more spectacular.
As important as the size of the Stadium was its external appearance. It was vital that the building be aesthetically integrated with the original West Campus buildings. For this reason, building stone was taken from the Duke quarry in nearby Hillsborough, N.C., where all the stone for the original campus had been found.
Building on the Stadium proceeded quickly. The stone had to be laid in temperate weather, for in extremely cold temperatures, the mortar would freeze. The building was finished in nine months.
Thus the Stadium was ready to be opened by the first of the new year, 1940. The final cost: $400,000 (which Duke finished paying after the football team won the Sugar Bowl in 1945).
The Dedication
Duke's new Indoor Stadium was officially opened on January 6, 1940. Touring the building before the evening ceremony and subsequent game, local city officials were "speechless." Said Chamber of Commerce President Col. Marion B. Fowler, "It is so colossal and so wonderful ... This building will not only be an asset to the university but to the entire community as well." Chamber Secretary Frank Pierson concurred, "There are no superlatives for it."
But Duke's Indoor Stadium was a structure of superlatives. The arena measured 262-feet long by 175-feet wide and was the East Coast's largest indoor stadium south of the Palestra in Philadelphia. Nine fixed steel frames spanned the ceiling at 26-foot intervals, which "provided an exceptionally good sight line." Seating for 8,800 included 3,500 folding bleacher seats on the floor designated, then as today, for the exclusive use of undergraduates. Maximum capacity was 12,000. A total of 16 ramps in the upper level helped prevent bottlenecks. It was according to the program issued the opening night, "one of the most modern and complete physical education buildings in the country."
The building was dedicated before a crowd of 8,000, the largest ever in the history of southern basketball. President William P. Few and Dean William H. Wannamaker presented the Stadium to the University. Dean R.B. House of UNC-Chapel Hill, representing the Southern Conference, also spoke. Aware of the tensions his presence as a member of a rival institution might cause, House affirmed, "I am a Methodist. I aspire to religion, I endorse erudition, and I use ... tobacco ... Hence, I claim to have good personal grounds for being a friend and well-wisher of Duke University." House continued: "... here will be on parade not only Duke University, but also ... youth ... education ... (and) the values of a great and democratic people. Modern games preserve for us the athletic glory of Greece, the executive efficiency of Rome ...."
To the greater glory of Greece, Rome, and particularly Duke University, the Blue Devils beat the visiting Princeton Tigers that night, 36-27.
Renovations
It was in February, 1986, that NBC Sports commentator Dick Enberg told the world about the latest planned renovations for Cameron. "They're going to make a real sports antique out of it ... complete with brass railings and stained glass windows."
For Duke athletic officials watching the Sunday afternoon broadcast of the Duke-Georgia Tech game, this was certainly news. Planned renovations did not, as some rumors indicated, include stained glass windows, but there was a major facelift being planned which included new side walls, a new electronic scoreboard and even brass railings.
Renovations began in 1987. The lobbies and concourse were remodeled during the summer of 1987. Then, in 1988, work began on the interior of the arena. A new electronic scoreboard, new sound system and decorative wood paneling gave Cameron an updated look, while maintaining the original elegance. The addition of 750 new student seats, increasing Cameron's capacity to 9,314, gave the Cameron Crazies, the Duke students who have made a name for themselves as Duke's exceptional "sixth man," a little more room to practice the art of supporting their team creatively.
In the early 1990s, Mike Krzyzewski and Athletic Director Tom Butters decided the time was right to give Cameron an addition with new locker rooms, coaches offices, an academic center and a new Sports Hall of Fame. Several years later, ground was broken for the new Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center after the end of the 1997-98 season. That complex now houses the men's and women's basketball programs, as well as Duke's athletic academic center.
The first part of that expansion and improvement project was the installation of a new floor in Cameron Indoor Stadium after the 1996-97 season. The latest advancements in floor technology were utilized to give the Blue Devils one of the finest playing surfaces in the entire country. Prior to the 1999-2000 season, a new press row was added. Air conditioning was added in 2001-02 and for its 100th season in 2004-05, the concourse was enhanced to celebrate Duke's tradition in men's and women's basketball with the addition of poster displays and all the banners were replaced in the rafters.
Cameron underwent a series of improvements over the summer of 2009 to enhance the gameday experience, while also retaining the revered qualities of the facility as it approached its 70th year as the home of the Blue Devils.
New press row tables were added to include LED technology, while the upper bowl of Cameron saw all 5,649 seats painted Duke blue. Each of the distinctive brass railings that surround the arena were refurbished prior to the beginning of the 2009-10 basketball season.
In 2016, a two-story addition measuring 14,200 square feet came online on Cameron's south side. The first floor features a new lobby and exhibit space, as well as two new areas for ticket operations. The second floor of the new addition houses the Champions Club, a hospitality space with a capacity of roughly 250.
Today
Originally the largest indoor arena in the South, Cameron is today one of the smallest in the nation. Nevertheless, its stature grows from year-to-year. Sellout crowds, top 25 rankings and championships of every variety have become the norm. The "creative harassment" of student spectators has given Duke the honor of being known as "one of the toughest road games in the USA," according to USA Today and any visiting team that has ever played in Cameron. In its June 7, 1999, issue, Sports Illustrated rated Cameron Indoor Stadium fourth on a list of the top 20 sporting venues in the world in the 20th Century, ranking ahead of such notables as Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Pebble Beach Golf Club.
The Blue Devils have had an amazing amount of success in Cameron. In 1999-2000, Duke established both the Atlantic Coast Conference and school record by extending its home winning streak to 46 games.
Despite the changes that have taken place, Cameron Indoor Stadium has remained very much the same over the last 70+ years. New seating, high tech electronics and a fresh coat of paint have not altered, but rather enhanced, Cameron's most enduring characteristic ... its spirit. It is still a building of superlatives.
“according to an article on goduke.com”
Mike Krzyzewski coached his final home game as Duke’s Head Coach inside Cameron Indoor Stadium Saturday.
Against who?
North Carolina!
Why?
Mike Krzyzewski is retiring after the 2021-2022 season!
Why?
Mike Krzyzewski had this to say about his decision!
You might ask, 'Why are you doing this right now?' Look, this is not about health. Mickie and I, whether we look it or not -- she does -- whether I look healthy ... I am. It's not about COVID or saying, 'Boy, that year was so bad.' It's not about that. It's certainly not about what's going on with college basketball. 'Boy, the game is changing.' All right. I've been in it for 46 years. You think the game has never changed?"
He later added: "Those aren't the reasons. ... The reason we're doing this is because Mickie and I have decided the journey is going to be over in a year. And we're going to go after it as hard as we possibly can."
“according to an article on espn.com by Myron Medcalf”
And Jon Scheyer who currently is Mike Krzyzewski’s Associate Head Coach is going to be the Head Coach of Duke beginning in April 2023 while Chris Carrawell is going to be an Associate Head Coach while Nolan Smith is going to be his assistant while Amile Jefferson is also on the coaching staff as Director of player development.
In Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game as Duke’s Head Coach No. 4 Duke held a five-point lead with just over 10 minutes left, but North Carolina clawed back to defeat Duke 94-81 in Saturday's regular season finale at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Freshman Paolo Banchero led Duke (26-5, 16-4 ACC) with 23 points, while sophomore Mark Williams recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Jeremy Roach added 15 on 5-of-6 shooting.
“according to an article on goduke.com”
The next time fans, spectators are in the stands at Cameron Indoor Stadium Jon Scheyer is going to be the Head Coach of Duke in 2022-2023 because Mike Krzyzewski is retiring after the 2021-2022 season!
Why?
Mike Krzyzewski had this to say about his decision!
You might ask, 'Why are you doing this right now?' Look, this is not about health. Mickie and I, whether we look it or not -- she does -- whether I look healthy ... I am. It's not about COVID or saying, 'Boy, that year was so bad.' It's not about that. It's certainly not about what's going on with college basketball. 'Boy, the game is changing.' All right. I've been in it for 46 years. You think the game has never changed?"
He later added: "Those aren't the reasons. ... The reason we're doing this is because Mickie and I have decided the journey is going to be over in a year. And we're going to go after it as hard as we possibly can."
“according to an article on espn.com by Myron Medcalf”
And Duke played their final home game of the Mike Krzyzewski era on Saturday against North Carolina where Duke lost to North Carolina by a score of 81-94
In Duke’s 81-94 loss to North Carolina 4 Duke held a five-point lead with just over 10 minutes left, but North Carolina clawed back to defeat the Blue Devils 94-81 in Saturday's regular season finale at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Freshman Paolo Banchero led the Blue Devils (26-5, 16-4 ACC) with 23 points, while sophomore Mark Williams recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Jeremy Roach added 15 on 5-of-6 shooting
As a player for Duke,
Jon Scheyer was one of the most versatile players in Duke history, concluding his playing career as the only player in school history to record at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 three-point field goals and 200 steals. He averaged 14.4 points per game while scoring in double figures 114 times (sixth-most in Duke history) and leading the Blue Devils to a 115-29 (.799) record.
A two-time team captain, Scheyer scored 2,077-career points and still ranks 10th on Duke’s all-time scoring list. He ranks third in Duke history in free throws made (608), fourth in free throw percentage (.861) and three-point field goals made (297) and sixth in free throw attempts (706). He played in 144 consecutive games, tied for the second-longest streak in Duke history.
As a senior in 2010,
Jon Scheyer averaged 18.2 points, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game from the point guard position to spark Duke to a 35-5 record and its fourth national championship. He was a consensus second-team All-American and a first-team All-ACC pick in his final season after starting all 40 contests and scoring in double figures in all but two games on the year.
Jon Scheyer was named MVP of the ACC Tournament as a junior in 2009, averaging 21.7 points and 4.0 rebounds as Duke took home the title.
As a coach for Duke,
Jon Scheyer who helped spark the Blue Devils to two ACC championships and the 2010 NCAA title as a player from 2007-10, has helped Duke compile a 187-55 (.773) record, a national championship (2015) and two ACC Tournament crowns during his time as an assistant or associate head coach.
He helped mentor Tyus Jones in Duke’s 2015 national title season, as the Blue Devils finished the year ranked third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Jones was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in Indianapolis and was a first-round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft after just one college season.
In 2017, Scheyer helped mold Luke Kennard into a consensus All-American after a breakout sophomore season that saw him rank second in the ACC in scoring and three-point field goal percentage. He also helped develop Frank Jackson into one of the most dynamic young guards in the country during the 2016-17 campaign.
Kennard and Jackson were selected 12th and 31st overall, respectively, in the 2017 NBA Draft.
After Grayson Allen finished his career in 2018 as the 12th-leading scorer in Duke history with 1,996 points, he was drafted in the first round by the Utah Jazz. Allen joined Scheyer as two of just five Blue Devils in history with 1,900 or more points, 400 or more rebounds and 400 or more assists (Grant Hill, Danny Ferry, Johnny Dawkins).
The 2019 campaign saw Tyus’ brother Tre enjoy a breakout year as a freshman by setting the program’s single-season record for assist-to-turnover ratio (3.62), while establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive players. Jones’ classmate, RJ Barrett, finished his remarkable freshman season at Duke as a consensus first-team All-American, the USA Today National Player of the Year, and the overall No. 3 selection in the NBA Draft.
Barrett broke a myriad of program and ACC records, including both the Duke and conference freshman scoring record with 860 points. His 860 points were surpassed on the program’s single-season scoring list by only J.J. Redick’s 964 points as a senior in 2006. Barrett averaged 22.6 points and was the only major conference player in 2018-19 to score 13+ points in every game of the season.
Under Scheyer’s guidance, Tre Jones parlayed his phenomenal freshman season into a decorated sophomore campaign that ended with him as the 2020 ACC Player of the Year, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-American. After two seasons as the starting point guard, Jones declared for the NBA Draft, leaving Duke as the program’s career record-holder in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.88) and ranking third in assists per game (5.8).
“according to Jon Scheyer’s biography on goduke.com”