Imagining the first Duke basketball season without Coach K
By Matt Giles
The optimist’s post-Coach K Duke basketball dream
Even the optimist must admit that upon Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, it is imperative for him to step far enough away from the program so as to give the new guy ample breathing room, so as not to make the new guy feel like he’s in kindergarten.
Because if Coach K instead plays helicopter parent from a few rows behind the bench at every game, no matter who has taken on the throne, then disaster will surely loom. Players would eventually question the importance of what their so-called “new head coach” has to say.
No worries, the optimist notes, for that won’t happen. Instead, Coach K will be wise enough to exit stage right quickly after his announcement and then enter full-level fandom mode from his couch at home.
Speaking of Coach K’s wisdom, the optimist also projects the replacement to thrive, right away, due to one particular safeguard that he wisely helped fortify to a seemingly indestructible degree during the latter half of his tenure…
The Brotherhood is real, folks.
Whether it’s Jon Scheyer, Steve Wojciechowski, Jeff Capel, Bobby Hurley, Tommy Amaker, Johnny Dawkins, or another former Duke basketball player from the presumed candidate list, the optimist says the program’s 21st head coach will enjoy a staff full of former Blue Devils, all unified in their goal of keeping #TheBrotherhood at the center of the college basketball universe.
Moreover, one can imagine that Zion Williamson and the dozens of other former and current NBA Blue Devils will pitch in when the time comes to ensure the Duke basketball name stays in style among recruits.
Finally, the optimist reassures us that everything Coach K created and erected in Durham won’t crumble the moment he bolts. In fact, the optimist proclaims, his ever-adapting creation will just continue to build upon its continued successes. With reverence for all things K along the way. And with “Coach K Court” forever a reminder of the inner strength it takes for a Dukie to be great.
Translation: Don’t expect to be able to walk up to Cameron Indoor Stadium within a few years and purchase $5 tickets. And don’t be at all surprised if the first season after Coach K’s departure turns out to be yet another banner year for #TheBrotherhood.
Related Story. Ranking all 40 Duke teams under Coach K. light
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