The Duke men’s basketball program continues to evolve under head coach Jon Scheyer, and on Wednesday morning, the Blue Devils took another major step forward by naming Preston Greene as their new Director of Sports Performance. Greene’s hiring is more than just a routine staff addition—it signals a continued commitment to elite-level player development as the program enters a new era following the legendary tenure of Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Greene replaces longtime strength and conditioning coach Will Stephens, who retired this offseason after nearly three decades of service to Duke basketball. Stephens played a pivotal role in helping mold NBA-caliber talent at Duke, and filling his shoes was no small task. However, in Greene, Duke appears to have landed a worthy successor and perhaps even someone who can elevate the program’s performance capabilities to new heights.
A veteran in the strength and conditioning space, Greene brings over 30 years of experience from top programs such as Florida, Clemson, Miami, Stanford, Arizona, and Charlotte. He most recently served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Miami, where he played a key role in the Hurricanes’ Final Four run in 2023. Prior to that, Greene helped guide the Florida Gators to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four in 2014, during his 11-year stint in Gainesville.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was quick to praise Greene, calling him “transformational” and “exactly the kind of leader” Duke needs at this pivotal point. “Preston brings a level of professionalism, innovation, and experience that aligns with our championship standards,” Scheyer noted. “His ability to connect with student-athletes and push them to their physical and mental peak will be invaluable.”
Greene’s hiring follows several other strategic offseason additions, including assistant coaches Evan Bradds and Tyler Thornton, signaling that Scheyer is building a staff filled with fresh energy and championship aspirations.
With Greene’s track record of working with high-level talent and enhancing both performance and injury prevention, his presence could be a game-changer for Duke’s pursuit of a national title. The Blue Devils haven’t reached the Final Four since 2015, but moves like this suggest they are determined to close that gap soon.
In the ever-competitive world of college basketball, every edge counts—and Duke may have just found one in Preston Greene.
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