Coach K reasons why he would’ve left Duke for the Lakers job: “Not as gratifying as it was 20 years ago”
Coach K retired as one of the best college basketball coaches. Behind 1202 wins, Mike Krzyzewski is the winningest men's basketball coach of all time and has the second-most titles (five) under his belt.
However, as rewarding as the college hoops world has been for the retired coach, Krzyzewski said he would choose to coach in the NBA over college in the current state of play.
"I think if I was 57 now and it was offered, I would go," Coach K said via Duke Basketball report. "I still love Duke. College basketball is terrific - the product. All the stuff you have to do for it, it’s not as gratifying as it was 20 years ago. At least for me.”
Apart from his coaching playbook, actions and schemes, the biggest factor in Mike Krzyzewski’s coaching success was his bond with the players.
In modern college basketball, the implementation of NIL and the transfer portal has left little room for programs to establish culture within the squad. Rather than sharing struggles, growth, triumph and memories with a squad over four years, most players choose a better roster or beneficial opportunity every summer.
Coach K believes the hype around Cooper Flagg should be toned down
Duke basketball will operate with the most anticipated recruit of the year, Cooper Flagg, this season. The Montverde Academy product made waves through his high school battles all over the nation. He also held his own against the Team USA Olympic squad earlier this summer.
However, while Coach K recognized the potential Cooper Flagg holds, he advised Blue Devils fans to avoid overhyping the 17-year-old. The remarks came during an interview with ESPN’s Dawn Davenport.
“He still has to do,” Coach K said. “I think he will. He has the potential to be one of the best. I don’t want to put that pressure on him.”
“We shouldn’t be talking about Cooper. We should be talking about our team. If this was Cooper talking, Cooper would say that, because he’s a very humble young man,” he added.
Though Jon Scheyer heads the Blue Devils, Coach K has also been captured in the Cameron Indoor Stadium several times this summer, engaging with the coaches and players.