Duke, Why I Lov em

6 Pages 1401 Words

This is what's scary about Duke: Mike Krzyzewski plans on coaching for another 10 seasons -- or more.

He doesn't walk on water, but a week after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame -- presented by his former Army coach Bob Knight who said he was most proud of Krzyzewski being successful the "right way" -- the consensus in college basketball is that as long as Krzyzewski is at Duke, a dynasty will reign.

And this king isn't a feared despot. Duke and Krzyzewski are respected for their greatness on the court as well as their class off it.


Mike Dunleavy, Chris Duhon and Jason Williams celebrate last year's championship.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Duke is here to stay as the New York Yankees of college basketball and are the odds-on favorite to repeat as national champions for the first time since Duke did it in 1991 and '92. Depending on who stays and who leaves early for the NBA, Duke should have the personnel (see: No. 1 ranked recruiting class this November) to make a run at the title in 2003, too.

"I don't know if Coach K is the Boss (George Steinbrenner) or Joe Torre or a compilation of the two," said Missouri coach Quin Snyder, a former Duke assistant and player. "They're a symbol of excellence. K's leadership is unparalleled. Players believe in him as a leader. The more he lets them play, the greater he becomes. He recognizes that. As much success as they've had, the more he lets go and it's not about him, Duke continues to win and win and win."

They also continue to get some of the best players in each recruiting class. But even more impressive is that they get who they want, almost never losing a player that they covet, even if he isn't the best at his position.

Once in Durham the past few seasons, they simply get better and evolve into player of the year candidates (see: Shane Battier and Jason Williams) or some of the best at their position (hello, Mike Dunleavy Jr.).

Sure, Duke has had its attrition...