Former Duke standout Sean Stewart shares 2-word reaction as Blue Devils lose veteran assistant coach

The Duke Blue Devils have suffered a massive loss ahead of the 2025-26 season, as longtime veteran assistant coach, Will Stephens, is retiring after 27 years of service.

Coaches and players have paid their tributes to Coach Will for his contribution in making Duke a heavyweight program in college basketball. Former Duke star Sean Stewart also joined in with an Instagram story.

Sean Stewart pays tribute to Coach Will (Image via Instagram@sean13stewart)

"THE GOAT!!!!!," Stewart wrote in his story.

Stephens had spent the entirety of his collegiate career with Duke, joining them in 1998. He was the head of sports performance and was in the same role for the Duke women's basketball team for 17 years until 2016.

As per his Duke staff directory bio, he has coached 55 NBA players, 21 WNBA players, 39 NBA first-round draft picks (including 26 lottery picks) and 11 WNBA first-round draft picks, summing up his impact in the program.

Established NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero, Jared McCain and recent No.1 pick Cooper Flagg have paid their tributes to Coach Will.

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Former Duke standout Sean Stewart plies his trade for the Ohio State Buckeyes

NCAA Basketball: Nebraska at Ohio State - Source: Imagn

Stewart is a sophomore forward who spent his freshman year with the Duke Blue Devils. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 2.6 points and 3.2 rebounds with 57.1% shooting. He averaged 8.4 minutes per game from 33 games but didn't manage a start.

He joined the transfer portal in late April and eventually committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. His numbers saw a decent jump, starting 30 of 32 games and averaged 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds at 54.2% shooting.

Stewart was second in the team in terms of rebounds but led the Buckeyes with 28 blocked shots and also registered four double-digit scores. In 11 games, he led the team in terms of rebounds.

However, in May, he entered the transfer portal again and has committed to the Oregon Ducks after his recent visit to Eugene, announcing his decision on social media.