Coach Krzyzewski Leaves an Untouchable Legacy
Coach K and his players after his 1000th win against St. Johns
It was early April of 2014. An 11-year-old boy watched as Coach MIke Krzyzewski leads the Duke Blue Devils to a win and the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship. Coach K lead the Duke Blue Devils through a 29-4 regular season leading into the tourney. I watched in awe as they pushed through, Robert Morrison 16, San Diego St 8, Utah 5, Gonzaga 2, Michigan St 7, and Wisconsin 1. Coach K had gotten another National Title, the 4th of his collection. They would win again in 2019. As an 11-year-old, I watched my favorite coach win with guys like Grayson Allen, Justise Winslow, Jalil Okafor, and Tyus Jones. This was my favorite year of Duke Basketball.
The amount of amazing NBA talent that go through Duke is atonishing. When I heard that this year is Coach K's last year, I was shocked. I couldn't believe that Coach K had finally called it. I just hope that he can end his coaching career on a high note, with another NCAA Championship. My favorite moment from Coach K's career is his 1000th win. In 2015, Coach K had won his 1000th game as a coach in a game against St. John's at Madison Square Garden. The #1 coach of all time had gotten his 1000th win.
Other people might say that Coach K would not be number one and UCLA's head coach from 1948-1975, John Wooden would be number one. John Wooden had lead UCLA to 10 of its 11 National Titles in a 12-year period. Coach Wooden had also holds 2 records. Wooden has the most National Titles (11) and the best winning streak (88 consecutive). While Coach K has 5 National Titles in his 42 years at Duke. John Wooden is not even among the top 10 most winningest coaches in college basketball history. Can you guess who is number one? Coach Krzyzewski. He is leaving a legacy unmatched even by John Wooden.
John Wooden, Former UCLA Head Coach
As Coach K's time coaching comes to an end, so does an era of amazing coaching. Coach Krzyzewski is the best coach of all time, even though one may argue that John Wooden's 10 NCAA Championships would put him above, Coach K has shattered many more records than that of John Wooden. Coach Krzyzewski has over 1,100 wins while having 15 30-win seasons. No one can even come close to that many. The next closest is Mark Few with 5 30-win seasons. While his wins are impressive, the amount of talent that comes from Coach Krzyzewski's coaching ability astonishes anyone that may lay witness. Coach Krzyzewski has sent 67 total guys to the NBA, 41 of which have been first round draft picks. His sheer talent in turning the guys into men and helping them get to the bigger stage is amazing. While he does coach Duke, he has also coached team USA in the Olympics. In the Olympics Coach Krzyzewski has 3 gold medals. Coach K is leaving a legacy that will be unmatched for years to come.
As Coach K's time at Duke dwindles, pay attention to what he has done with basketball. He has changed the sport forever. He announced his retirement, and with broken hearts we will have to say goodbye to a legend. He leaves a legacy of players and wins within Duke. He has a record of 572-75 inside Cameron Indoor Stadium and a more astonishing legacy outside of it as well. Look back at the boys he turned into men through basketball. When you watch the NBA playoffs next month, pay attention to the guys that played for Krzyzewski