"Coach is an animal" - Jayson Tatum impressed by Mike Krzyzewski still hitting bench press at age 77
Retired college basketball coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski was recently spotted participating in an extensive workout, garnering praise from his former player, Jayson Tatum.
Tatum played one year under Krzyzewski at Duke University during the 2016-17 season before being drafted No. 3 by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft. The five-time All-Star starred on a stacked college squad featuring numerous future NBA players, most notably Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard and Frank Jackson.
On Monday, Duke men's basketball's X/Twitter account posted photos of Krzyzewski and Allen, now a member of the Phoenix Suns, hitting the gym. In one picture, "Coach K" can be seen bench pressing in the background.
The photo caught Tatum's eye, as he promptly commended his ex-coach for still lifting weights at age 77.
"Nah, Coach still hitting the bench press, he’s an animal, LOL," Tatum said.
Numerous fans on X/Twitter concurred with Tatum, lauding the five-time national championship-winning coach for his post-retirement work ethic.
"Coach K benching is WILD," @BracketNky said.
"That's why he's the GOAT," @BNofty6914 said.
"Coach K [is] forever a legend," @GigglesMeBoii said.
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Jayson Tatum on his relationship with Mike Krzyzewski
Jayson Tatum is over seven years removed from his brief Duke career. However, according to Tatum, he and Mike Krzyzewski have maintained a strong relationship over the years.
During a 2022 appearance on "The Draymond Green Show," the Celtics superstar touched on his long-lasting bond with "Coach K."
"Man, that is my guy," Tatum said. "I still talk to Coach at least once, if not twice a month, ever since I left school. So, that's something I'm really proud about, my decision to go to Duke. That's something I cherish, his relationship, and like, it didn't just stop once I walked out that door and left."
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Tatum didn't win a national championship during his lone season under Krzyzewski. Instead, South Carolina upset his second-seeded Blue Devils 88-81 in the 2017 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament's second round.
However, the four-time All-NBA team member has since gone on to experience immense success, capturing his first NBA title this year. Moreover, Tatum recently won his second Olympic gold medal with Team USA at this summer's Paris Olympics.
So, Krzyzewski's mentorship appears to have paid off considerably for the 26-year-old as he seemingly gets set to enter his prime.
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