Duke coach Jon Scheyer released a statement on Monday afternoon after Nolan Smith was formally announced as an assistant on Kenny Payne’s staff at Louisville.

Scheyer was supportive of the move and wished Smith well with the Cardinals.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Nolan to return to Louisville and continue his father’s extraordinary legacy,” Scheyer wrote in-part. “But for me, it is bittersweet. Nolan’s contributions at Duke cannot be understated and I will treasure the memories we have made together as friends, teammates and coaches over the last 15 years.”

Smith’s father, Derek Smith, starred at Louisville from 1978-82. He was a key member of Louisville’s 1980 National Championship team.

He spent the last six years as a Duke staff member, starting as a special assistant before eventually being promoted to an on-court role.

Smith has developed the reputation of an elite recruiter and played a role in the Blue Devils bringing in the No. 1 overall class for the class of 2022, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

Scheyer is expected to make two coaching hires in the coming weeks.