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Reactions to Coach K, Scheyer Announcements
6/9/2021 11:36:00 AM | Men's Basketball
DURHAM -- Below are a collection of thoughts and quotes from friends and colleagues across the sports landscape in reaction to last week's historic news of the retirement of Head Men's Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski following this season and the naming of Jon Scheyer as the next head coach.
The announcement was made by the school Wednesday, June 2, with the press conference for Coach K on June 3 and Scheyer on June 4.
QUOTES ON MIKE KRZYZEWSKI
Syracuse University Head Coach Jim Boeheim:
"Mike's impact on basketball goes far beyond the wins his teams have accumulated. He has been a unifying leader for the sport at every level, including college, professional and international. It's impossible to overstate the positive impact he has had for decades.
He did a remarkable job building successful programs at Army and Duke. It is extremely difficult to create that level of achievement and then sustain it for the long period of time the way Mike managed to produce it.
Mike joined with Jerry Colangelo to generate the same type of maintainable organization with USA Basketball. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me to sit alongside him during that amazing run that lead to three gold medals for our country.
I've enjoyed the challenge of coaching Syracuse against his Duke teams over the years – no coach prepares his players for big games better than Mike. I'll look forward to a few more opportunities to do that next season."
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley:
"USA Basketball congratulates Coach K on an incredible coaching career. Three Olympic gold medals, two FIBA World Cup titles, five NCAA Championships and 1,170 career collegiate wins in 46 years are just some of the numbers that help put his head coaching success into perspective. But even more important than those numbers and his accomplishments are the many long-lasting relationships he has with countless basketball players and coaches at multiple levels. He helped reestablish USA Basketball as the world's top international basketball power and did so by establishing a "Gold Standard" for our teams and by showing the utmost respect for opponents around the world. All of us who love basketball now relish the opportunity to see Coach K on the sidelines for one more year. USA Basketball applauds his commitment to the game of basketball and wishes he and his family continued health and happiness."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (via Boardroom):
"Coach K transformed the Duke basketball program over a four-decade run of sustained excellence that is simply unmatched. In addition to his wide-ranging impact on the Duke community and college athletics, Coach K played an instrumental role in the resurgence of USA Basketball and has been a driving force behind the global growth of the game. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest leaders and communicators in all of sports and business."
#GoDuke
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The announcement was made by the school Wednesday, June 2, with the press conference for Coach K on June 3 and Scheyer on June 4.
QUOTES ON MIKE KRZYZEWSKI
Syracuse University Head Coach Jim Boeheim:
"Mike's impact on basketball goes far beyond the wins his teams have accumulated. He has been a unifying leader for the sport at every level, including college, professional and international. It's impossible to overstate the positive impact he has had for decades.
He did a remarkable job building successful programs at Army and Duke. It is extremely difficult to create that level of achievement and then sustain it for the long period of time the way Mike managed to produce it.
Mike joined with Jerry Colangelo to generate the same type of maintainable organization with USA Basketball. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me to sit alongside him during that amazing run that lead to three gold medals for our country.
I've enjoyed the challenge of coaching Syracuse against his Duke teams over the years – no coach prepares his players for big games better than Mike. I'll look forward to a few more opportunities to do that next season."
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley:
"USA Basketball congratulates Coach K on an incredible coaching career. Three Olympic gold medals, two FIBA World Cup titles, five NCAA Championships and 1,170 career collegiate wins in 46 years are just some of the numbers that help put his head coaching success into perspective. But even more important than those numbers and his accomplishments are the many long-lasting relationships he has with countless basketball players and coaches at multiple levels. He helped reestablish USA Basketball as the world's top international basketball power and did so by establishing a "Gold Standard" for our teams and by showing the utmost respect for opponents around the world. All of us who love basketball now relish the opportunity to see Coach K on the sidelines for one more year. USA Basketball applauds his commitment to the game of basketball and wishes he and his family continued health and happiness."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (via Boardroom):
"Coach K transformed the Duke basketball program over a four-decade run of sustained excellence that is simply unmatched. In addition to his wide-ranging impact on the Duke community and college athletics, Coach K played an instrumental role in the resurgence of USA Basketball and has been a driving force behind the global growth of the game. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest leaders and communicators in all of sports and business."
University of North Carolina Head Coach Hubert Davis:Â
"Coach Krzyzewski's career has been awesome. All of his accomplishments have elevated college and USA basketball for so many years. I'm so thankful and privileged that I was able to compete against his teams as a player, as an assistant coach, and now has a head coach this upcoming season. Carolina vs Duke is the pinnacle of college basketball and the fact that his final game at Cameron will be against the Tar Heels adds more uniqueness and history to this great rivalry."
Former University of North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams:
"Mike's been fantastic for the game of basketball, he's been fantastic for college basketball, been fantastic for the ACC, for the greatest rivalry in sports, Duke-North Carolina basketball. He's been a good friend, a guy I've respected a great deal. He made everybody bring their 'A' game for years and years and years. In the old days it was a little easier. There weren't as many teams. I can remember when the ACC was a seven-team league, now it's 15. He's just been phenomenal in everything he's done.
He's a great family man. He's going to enjoy his family a great deal. He'll still be important in college athletics. He'll still be important in college basketball…I look forward to talking to him and making sure he's healthy. That's the only thing I care about.
It will be different. But Vic Bubas and Dean Smith left and Duke and North Carolina were still pretty good. Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski are leaving and (basketball is) still going to be pretty good in this area."
Michigan State University Head Coach Tom Izzo (via Tiki and Tierney):
"I'm going to miss his experience. I'm going to miss his knowledge. Experience usually is knowledge, and it's important knowledge. Mike's been great for the game because he's been on all these committees, even to the end here. He's on them, trying to always make the game better. I'm not going to miss – I don't know what I am against him, 3-10 or 4-11. I'm going to miss everything except that.
He's going to be missed. He's one of the icons. He's built the program. Duke had won something in the '70s, but I mean the consistency. The one thing that I looked at when I got this job [at Michigan State] – can I be consistent? Anybody can have a one-time moment, but I think all of us want to be consistent, year after year after year. Nobody has been much more consistent than he has in 41 years. I'm going on 27 – I've still got 14 years to go to try to stay that consistent."
University of Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari:
"To think that November may be the last time I ever coach against Mike Krzyzewski is hard to believe. For as long as I can remember, Coach K has been synonymous not only with Duke but with college basketball. His benchmark of excellence for nearly 50 years has pushed all of us.
Personally, he has challenged me as a coach and a recruiter. We have competed against one another because that's what we do as coaches, but the respect I have for Mike and all that he has done for our game and coaches goes so far beyond the battles we have had on the court over the years. Our game is not what it is today without a lifetime of dedication and love Mike has put into it.
I want to thank Mike for all that he has done for me personally, including what he has done for my players with Team USA, and congratulate he and his wife, Mickie, on an unbelievable career. The bar he has set will go unmatched.
Duke Women's Basketball Head Coach Kara Lawson:
"There are not many words to fully describe the impact Coach K has had on the game of basketball, setting a standard both at the collegiate level and on the international stage that few have come close to matching.
Beyond his many accomplishments on the court, what is more impressive is the way Coach K has been a leader and mentor off the court for countless individuals all over the world. His legacy is cemented as one of the greatest coaches that sports has ever seen, and we are forever grateful for his distinct contributions to Duke University, USA Basketball and our game as a whole.
It has been an honor to serve these past eleven months alongside Coach K – he has built Duke Basketball into one of the most recognizable brands on the planet, characterized by integrity, class and high standards of excellence. We look forward to the continuation of the culture here at Duke and are excited about the future of Men's Basketball under Jon Scheyer."
Basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson:
"Coach Mike Krzyzewski, affectionately known as Coach K, I'm so happy for you, your wife of 52 years Mickie, three daughters, grandchildren and entire family as you celebrate your illustrious career and upcoming retirement. Many people know Coach K's impressive accomplishments over his 46-year career as a head coach; 5 national championships, 6 gold medals with the U.S. Men's Basketball Team, and 12 national coach of the year honors - just to name a few. However, what I love about Coach K, and why I call him one of the greatest coaches ever, is his love for and development of his players.
Coach K created a family atmosphere at Duke University where he developed his student-athletes to become competitive players, impactful citizens, successful professionals, amazing husbands, supportive fathers, and overall great men. He led by example, keeping his family close throughout his tenure and establishing personal relationships with each player. Under his guidance he helped many players reach their dream to play in the NBA and for those who chose a different route, they have had tremendous success across industries.
I can speak personally to his leadership during my Dream Team experience. As our assistant coach, he did an outstanding job coaching Michael [Jordan], Larry [Bird], me and the entire team. I really enjoyed getting to know him and his family better in Barcelona. It was then I learned that he was not only a great coach but a great husband and father.
Coach K's name will live on not only because of his success on the court but through his players that speak of him with reverence. Coach, may your retirement be filled with joy, laughter and love; and may God continue to bless you and your family. I look forward to watching your last season!"
Former Duke player and current ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas:
"As Coach K nears the end of his coaching career, the only thing I can think of is the gratitude I have for having him as my coach and mentor for so long, and to still have him. While I congratulate him on his amazing career, all I can think to say is thank you. Thank you for everything, because everything I have enjoyed in this game has been because of Coach K.
The game will never be the same without him, and nobody has had a bigger impact upon the game than Mike Krzyzewski. And we get him for one more year."
Former Duke player and current ESPN NBA analyst Jay Williams:
"The thing about him that is so different is that he's a master communicator. The first conversation I ever had with Kobe Bryant was about Coach K. One of the first conversations I ever had with LeBron James was about Coach K. He's that glue that keeps all the greats together because he gets you to buy into something bigger than yourself. That is his theme. It's all about culture. He breaks down your egos."
Former Duke player and current Harvard Head Coach Tommy Amaker:
"Congratulations to Coach K on his plan to wrap up his unparalleled and incredible tenure. I am honored to have played for and worked for Coach, and to have played a small role in his unprecedented success. I have always said that Coach K was my best teacher during my time at Duke. As I get older, I realize just how impactful of a statement that is, and I know that so many who played for him feel the same way.
There are few people who have the footprint that Coach leaves behind not only in the game of basketball, but also in the world of sports. I'm eternally grateful to him for his wisdom and relationship."
Former Duke player and current UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins (via Mad Dog Sports Radio):
"I always knew he had an amazing passion for the game and how competitive he was, but what you learn is how much time goes into preparation to be successful. I don't think there was anybody that was any more prepared for an opponent or for working with his players than he was. I got a taste of that when I first got there and joined his staff, and thought this is going to be a heck of a transition for me from my playing days to coaching, but there's no better teacher than Coach K because he showed me what it takes to be successful."
Former Duke player Billy King (via Twitter):
"Beyond all of the wins and losses, Coach K provided me with the foundation to be a man. He was more than a coach for us all. He allowed us all to grow and make mistakes and learn as young men. He will always be Duke Basketball. This will be one last ride for Coach K and Mickie."
Former Duke player Quinn Cook (via Boardroom):
"I think the biggest compliment Coach K could have given me was that I was one of the best leaders on his team, because leadership is his biggest thing. He's the best coach in terms of x's and o's and preparing, and he knows how to lead people... He helped me in my NBA career and impacted more lives just helping people become better people than [he has with] five national championships.
That's why Duke is called the Brotherhood. We all feel connected - you could have played in 1992 or 2002, we feel like we all played together because Coach has made it such an open forum for people to feel welcome in. That's what makes him the greatest coach ever, the gift to lead and make people believe in themselves."
Former Duke women's basketball player Alana Beard (via Boardroom):
"Coach K and I would see each other as we passed through the halls of Cameron Indoor, and I remember the short but impactful conversations we would have - they meant the world to me. I watched him build masterpiece after masterpiece during my years at Duke. The level of greatness that he expected of his teams and those around him motivated me to strive for that same level of greatness consistently.
His commitment to his players off the court, Duke University, and the Durham community is unmatched, and I am grateful to have had a front-row seat. Thank you, Coach K!"
Duke alum and Apple Senior VP Eddy Cue (via Boardroom):
"On and off the court, Coach K has made an indelible imprint on so many of us in the Duke community, as well as countless others in the sports world and beyond. He has taught me so much personally about dedication, compassion, and class, and he has been a constant inspiration in how to motivate a team to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in everything you do. From his work with the Legacy Fund to all the unforgettable basketball moments, Coach K epitomizes what it means to be a role model, a mentor, and a leader. He's one for the history books."
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QUOTES ON JON SCHEYER
Former Duke player and current ESPN NBA analyst Jay Williams:
"Since the first day I met Jon Scheyer, I've always called him a young Brad Stevens. He's able to think the game. He's a basketball savant."
"I think his abilities to draw up plays on the spot and his knowledge of the game are really next level. You combine those two, and I think you have something very special."
Former Duke player and current ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas (via The Rich Eisen Show):
"Jon Scheyer is an outstanding young coach. He's technically skilled, he understands what he's getting into and I think he's more than capable of doing this and doing it at the highest level. I'm a believer. I think he's a terrific choice, and the fact that Coach K believes in him so much should give everybody a really good feeling about it."
Former Duke player and current UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins (via Mad Dog Sports Radio):
"I love Jon. I think Jon is going to do a terrific job. He's the next guy in line there and it should happen that way. It's a natural progression, so I'm excited about that. I think he's going to do a great job and I love coach's plan. The plan of him letting everyone know a year ahead of time gives everyone a chance to celebrate him.
"I think the succession is a great plan. I think the continuity as the program starts to transition – a player that has already been there, the players that are already in-house in that program, they already know Jon and Jon has probably recruited a number of those players along with Nolan Smith and Chris Carrwell. You continue that. He learned under an amazing coach, so therefore, the recruiting and everything that he's going to end up facing when Coach K is retired will just continue on because the program and the legacy of the program remains. I'm sure coach will still be there to speak with him whenever he wants, any kind of advice as the head coach. He'll be there for him to give him some ideas and thoughts from his perspective."
Former Duke player and current Harvard Head Coach Tommy Amaker:
"I could not be more excited for Jon and for the opportunity that he has in front of him to continue the great tradition of Duke Basketball. As a former player, I am thrilled that one of us is taking the mantle."
Former Duke player Gerald Henderson:
"He's just a soulful dude. He really is. We were roommates – we spent a lot of time together. Jon cares about what's going on with other people."
Former Duke player Carlos Boozer:
"We all know that college sports are based around recruiting, and the great thing about Jon is that he's been there his whole adult life. He played at Duke, he's been on that sideline for a number of years – I think he'll do a great job stepping in."
Former Duke player Billy King (via Twitter):
"A lifetime decision into The Brotherhood. Jon Scheyer is prepared and ready to lead. He understands what lies ahead and will have all us standing with him."
Former Duke Director of Basketball Operations Chris Spatola (via The Adam Gold Show):
"He was a coach's player. He was so eager to please, and I think it's one of the things that made him a great captain. It's one of the things that made him a great winner. He always saw everything through the coach's eyes – both his own game and his teammates, and then he was able to communicate that. We use the phrasing 'Player-led teams are the teams that typically are the best.' When your players can convey the message of the coaching staff, then you have the makings of something."
#GoDuke
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