Duke Basketball Promotes Emanuel Dildy to Associate Head Coach

Duke Basketball Promotes Emanuel Dildy to Associate Head Coach

Duke basketball is keeping its coaching staff strong and steady, as Jon Scheyer announced Monday that assistant coach Emanuel Dildy has been promoted to the role of associate head coach.

For those who follow the game closely, this news doesn’t come as a surprise. Since joining Duke’s staff in August 2023, Dildy has quietly built a reputation as one of the program’s most valuable assets a relentless recruiter, a player-first teacher, and a coach who lives and breathes the game.

“Emanuel’s impact on our program has been tremendous,” Scheyer said in a school-issued statement. “He’s an elite recruiter, a detailed teacher of the game and someone whose tireless work ethic sets the tone for our staff and players. Emanuel’s leadership, energy and passion embody what Duke Basketball is all about, and I’m excited to elevate him into this well-deserved role.”

A Journey Through the College Ranks

A Chicago native, Dildy’s rise through the coaching world has been fueled by persistence and results. His career began at Kennedy-King College, where he served as an assistant coach from 2008 to 2010 before taking over as head coach for two seasons. In that role, he posted a 35–27 record and led his team to the 2012 NJCAA Region IV Tournament championship game.

From there, he began building experience across the Division I landscape: assistant stints at Eastern Illinois, Loyola Chicago, Missouri, and Valparaiso, before a key role at Northwestern under Chris Collins. At Northwestern, Dildy helped deliver the school’s highest-rated recruiting class, landing multiple top-100 players and elevating the Wildcats’ talent pool.

His recruiting track record only grew stronger during his time at Oklahoma, where as associate head coach he played a central role in signing four ESPN 100 recruits in just two seasons. That reputation followed him to Duke and now it’s been rewarded with one of the top assistant positions in college basketball.

A Coach Who Knows the Game as a Player

Before coaching, Dildy carved out his own successful playing career. He spent two seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Eastern Illinois, where he earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior. He went on to play professionally in Germany and the International Basketball League before hanging up his sneakers to begin his coaching journey.

That blend of player and coaching experience is something his colleagues and players alike value he knows firsthand the grind of being on the court, and he pairs it with the eye of a recruiter who knows what it takes to succeed at the college level.

What This Means for Duke

For Scheyer, this move isn’t just about rewarding hard work it’s about continuity. As Duke prepares for its 2025–26 season, stability in leadership will be crucial. Dildy has proven he can attract high-level talent, connect with players on a personal level, and bring a tireless commitment to the program’s day-to-day operations.

With Duke’s famed Countdown to Craziness set for Oct. 4 and a season-opening matchup against Texas on Nov. 4 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, Dildy’s new role comes at the perfect time. His promotion ensures that Duke will not only remain a powerhouse on the court but also continue to lead in the recruiting battles that shape the future of the sport.

For Duke fans, one thing is clear: Emanuel Dildy isn’t just a coach climbing the ranks. He’s a rising star in the college basketball world and now he’ll be playing an even bigger role in shaping the next era of Blue Devil basketball.