Scheyer opened the press conference by acknowledging the importance of the matchup, not just within the conference but nationally. “This is what you come to Duke for. These are the moments you dream about as a player and as a coach,” Scheyer said. “North Carolina is playing at an incredibly high level, and we know we’ll need to be at our best.”
Duke (21-5, 12-3 ACC) enters the game on a five-game winning streak, fresh off a dominant win over Louisville. Scheyer praised his team’s recent play, particularly the way they’ve responded defensively. “We’ve made some good strides the last few weeks,” Scheyer said. “Our communication has been better, and we’re doing a better job dictating the tempo.”
One of the key focuses heading into the Carolina game is limiting the impact of senior guard RJ Davis, who leads the ACC in scoring and is coming off a 36-point performance against Miami. Scheyer described Davis as “an elite shot-maker” and emphasized the importance of contesting every look he gets. “You can’t take plays off against a guy like that,” Scheyer said. “He’s playing with a ton of confidence.”
On Duke’s side, sophomore center Kyle Filipowski has been the anchor, averaging 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Scheyer highlighted Filipowski’s growth, both physically and mentally, since last year’s matchups with the Tar Heels. “Flip has been locked in,” Scheyer noted. “He understands the magnitude of this game, but he’s focused on doing what helps us win.”
Scheyer also provided an injury update, confirming that guard Tyrese Proctor is expected to play after tweaking his ankle earlier in the week. “Tyrese has been progressing well. He practiced yesterday and looked good. We’re expecting him to be ready,” Scheyer said.
The Blue Devils will look to counter UNC’s size and athleticism, particularly in the frontcourt, where Armando Bacot remains a force. Scheyer stressed that rebounding and transition defense will be two of the biggest keys. “They can hurt you on the glass and get out running quickly. If you don’t match that physicality, it can snowball,” he said.
Saturday’s game is set for an 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off at the Dean Smith Center and will be nationally televised. With both teams eyeing the ACC regular-season title and postseason positioning, Scheyer made it clear what’s at stake. “It’s Duke-Carolina. That says it all.”
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