Krzyzewski: What Next?

By Luke Bond

Duke has won its fifth National Championship under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, following a 34 win and 4 loss season. Duke may have had the “quietest” four loss in recent history, hidden from under the blinding glare of Kentucky’s near undefeated season and an even quieter postseason run.

The Blue Devils overcame a nine-point second half deficit en route to a 68-63 win over Wisconsin in the national championship game, solidifying Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s reputation as one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. Coach K also recorded his 1,000th basketball win as a coach this season, along with the help of his freshman center Jahlil Okafor, who became the first freshman in ACC history to claim conference player of the year accolades. Okafor also earned consensus first team All-America and National Freshman of the Year accolades this season. Senior captain Quinn Cook was the leader for the Blue Devils, setting career highs in nearly every major category while securing Sporting News second team All-America honors.

Coach K and team after winning his fifth NCAA championship title.
Coach K and team celebrate after winning his fifth NCAA championship title. Photo by Darron Cummings.

The Blue Devils also received All-American talent throughout the year from freshmen Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow. Jones also had the honor of taking home the Most Outstanding Player award this season. On top of all the awards, Okafor, Jones and Winslow also combined to average 41.7 points per game, the most by a freshman trio in Duke history.

Coach K reached 1,000 wins this season, good for most in NCAA history.
Coach K reached 1,000 wins this season, good for most in NCAA Division 1 history. Photo by Duke.com

But what this team did that was so astounding was the fact that the team did not lean on just the four players mentioned. The ball was spread around with poise and excellence in Coach K’s system with multiple players off of Duke’s bench, earning Final Four player honors.

Freshman Justise Winslow dunking in a regular season game. Photo by Getty Images.
Freshman Justise Winslow dunking in a regular season game. Photo by Getty Images.

Duke rolled over its opponents this season with three starting freshmen. Perhaps a dynasty is back in the making for Duke, like things were in the early 2000’s. But who are we kidding, this team has missed the playoffs just ONCE in the last 32 years. Let that sink in.