August 21, 2008 7:18 PM
K is for knowledge
It's pretty easy to understand why Mike Krzyzewski has turned down offers to coach in the NBA. 'Coach K' is king of the hill at Duke University.
I arrived in North Carolina to cover Duke basketball in January, 1995 -- one day after Krzyzewski left the team because of health issues. The program suffered through a rare losing year (13-18, 2-14 in the ACC).
Krzyzewski returned the following year and I learned first-hand of his effect on the program. A young, undersized Duke team went 18-13 and made the NCAA tournament.
The Blue Devils' identity with Krzyzewski is unmistakable. They like to run. But you're not a Dookie unless you slap the floor and crouch into a defensive posture.
Look at our Olympic men's basketball team coached by Krzyzewski. The roster is comprised of highly-paid, supremely-gifted star athletes, some of whom don't need a last name for world-wide recognition.
On talent alone, the "Redeem Team" should run the opposition out of the gym. But the players aren't without flaws.
This is where Krzyzewski comes in and does what he does best. Teach. The NBA ought to pay Coack K to hold a clinic each summer, for players who have entered the league without a real understanding of the game's fundamental concepts.
NBA head coaches don't always have time to teach. And those that do teach run into players who don't take time to listen.
LeBron James and Dwight Howard didn't attend college. They're listening to Krzyzewski. Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony, with one year of college before joining the NBA, are listening.
Kobe Bryant didn't attend college. Even with three NBA championship rings, he listens to Krzyzewski.
The U.S. team is paying attention to detail. They're playing team basketball. Shot selection is shaky at times, but they're playing defense and winning big.
Krzyzewski probably won't go down as the greatest basketball coach in history. But the NBA stars on the U.S. team have learned why Coach K has been worth more than his weight in gold at the college level.
August 22, 2008
7:25 AM
Bill (Minnesota) writes:
Coach K is second rate.
He coaches in a second rate sport -- college basketball. He has no business coaching grown men.
August 22, 2008
7:46 AM
Tim writes:
You are right Bill....he has done such a poor job so far. Oh wait, that was me being facetious. You have no business being a grown man.
August 22, 2008
10:20 AM
Eric writes:
bill...sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. aside from the nfl, there is no sport that's more exciting and well run than college basketball. coach K is one of the greatest coaches ever in one of the greatest sports ever...period!
August 22, 2008
11:29 AM
Thanks_ For_The_ Memories_George writes:
We know the economy has slowed for us all and Stan Kroenke's 2.1 billion dollar net worth might have shrunk a few million, but his competitiveness and love for basketball should mean something right?
Thanks for the memories curious George the Nuggets need a real Koach, Coach K I mean. Who best get the most out a team of nick names: AI, JR, Melo, kMart, and Nene?
If he can coach the NBA's elite to work at as a team with defense first he should be able to take care of the Nuggets woes.
Stan be the "man" open your wallet and give Coach K anything he wants (x 2 if necessary) to come to this mid sized U.S. city and make a world champions!
August 23, 2008
6:00 AM
Tim and Erik Clone writes:
Bill (of Minnesota) --
Tim and Erik nailed you for what you are, and I have little to add on that account.
What perplexes me is how you could come to such an inane conclusion -- on either college basketball or Coach K. What makes college basketball second rate sport? Perhaps it is because it doesn't have overpaid, egotistic players? Or perhaps because they play half the length of schedule? Or perhaps it is because more people watch college basketball than professional? Or maybe because you just love to spout off about things you have little knowledge of.
Re Coach K -- what in the performance of the Coach K in the Olympics offends you? The fact that they are successfull -- hugely I might add. Or perhaps it is because the players understand his intensity, knowledge, and listen to him. Or perhaps because they to the man highly respect him, to the point of setting their egos aside for the sake of the team. Or perhaps all of the above.
In any case, while you are entitled to your opinion -- you are also entitled to evidence your stupidity by offering such an inane observation.
j
August 24, 2008
2:05 AM
Matt writes:
Bill you are an idiot if you think coach k and college basketball are second rate?
If you know anything about basketball then you should realize that college basketball is the most exciting purest form of basketball you can watch. College players care more about their team and winning where as pro's only care about their contracts. The college game has players defending as hard as they can for 40 minutes where as in the nba you're lucky to see any defense played until the playoffs. When was the last time you saw a pro dive for a loose ball? If you watch a college game you will see it numerous times. The college game also doesn't have silly rules like illegal defense.
Coach K is top notch and has shown throughout his career coaching in the college game, and now in the olympics is showing that he is a winner. He has gotten players to put aside their egos and differences to achieve one common goal.
Bill, be a man and don't be afraid to give credit where its due.
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