March 5, 2022 marks the last time we will see the GOAT, Mike Krzyzewski, grace the sidelines at Duke Universitym where he’s been for over four decades. During his time in Durham there have been many special moments. Here a few of my favorites:
Quinn Cook 2015 Senior Banquet:
Every Duke team that has won the national title, has had veteran leadership. Senior guard Quinn Cook lost his father prior to enrolling at Duke leaving a huge void. Mike Krzyzewski became the father figure for Quinn, which included some tough times when it was rumored Quinn flirted with transferring out of the Duke program. Cook weathered the storm and went on to help lead the Duke Blue Devils to the 2015 National Championship. At the Duke 2015 banquet senior guard Quinn Cook broke down in tears mentioning Coach K being a father that he needed while playing at Duke university.
Coach K Honors Dean Smith:
Our next moment was when Duke honored the late Dean Smith – a pioneer for the game and respected contemporary of Coach K who suddenly passed away February 7, 2015 at the age of 83. Prior to the Duke vs UNC matchup inside Cameron Indoor, Duke hand in hand with UNC, kneeled center court, prayed and had a moment of silence for the late Dean Smith. The tribute also included a “Thank You Dean Smith” across the jumbotron. The gesture personified excellence and class between two programs that bitter rivals.
Jeff Capel II Honorary Coach:
Another respected Coach K moment was when he made Jeff Capel’s father an honorary coach. The gesture displayed profound respect proving that “some things are bigger than basketball”. Capel’s father, Jeff Capel II who at the time was suffering from dementia, spent 30 years coaching in the pros, collegiate and high school level.