On Saturday night, legendary NCAA and Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski coached his team for the last time in front of the Duke University faithful.
On an important day that saw Duke get floored by archrival North Carolina, coach K said that the season isn’t over.
The Tar Heels upset the Blue Devils 94-81 Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The winningest coach in men’s college basketball history saw his team get out-grinded by the UNC team.
North Carolina played spoiler in Mike Krzyzewski's last home game as Duke head coach, winning 94-81. The 13-point margin of defeat is Duke's 3rd-largest loss to an unranked opponent under Coach K. pic.twitter.com/Ztd1muWTnZ — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 6, 2022
Krzyzewski -a natural-born winner-was disappointed with his team’s performance during his last home game of his career.
“I’m sorry about this afternoon,” he told reporters afterwards. “Today was unacceptable. But the season has been very acceptable. The season isn’t over.”
Krzyzewski and his entire family had a huddle at the beginning of the celebratory ceremony. The legendary coach attributes his success to his family-his wife and his three daughters.
“I was able to jump in the deep end with our program,” he told the crowd. “Because my family allowed it. They knew I loved it. And I love them. I love my family more than basketball. …but my family loves basketball.”
Prior to the game, a powerful group of 96 former Duke players – including all-time greats Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, JJ Redick and Elton Brand – were in attendance to honor the 75-year-old coach.
Krzyzewski was noticeably watery-eyed during the national anthem but kept his composure. Krzyzewski will retire this season with five National Championships at Duke and six Gold Medals as USA Men’s Basketball coach.
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