Duke basketball: Coach K is playing mind games with Jalen Johnson

The third mind game the Duke basketball staff played with Jalen Johnson…

Snide remarks

As soon as Jalen Johnson chucked a pass some 10 feet off target late in the Bellarmine game, Mike Krzyzewski said to his staff what looked to be a harsh four-word description for the frustrating uber-athlete, including one particularly harsh four-letter word. It doesn’t take a lip-reading expert to decipher from the telecast what the 41st-year Duke chief appeared to note to his crew:

“He’s so [expletive] soft.”

That particular F-bomb turnover, Johnson’s fourth of the night, seemed to be a result of the first-year Blue Devil acting “soft” by fading away from defenders while drifting out of bounds on the baseline. He left himself a tough angle for what was intended to be a pass to an open-for-three Jeremy Roach at the opposite corner.

One second after the four-word complaint to his staff, Coach K turned around and seemed to just look for any forward to immediately sub in for Johnson. He quickly decided on nearby Joey Baker.

Chances are Johnson didn’t see what Coach K had to say at that moment. Chances are, though, Coach K wouldn’t mind if he had. Chances are Coach K — whose main genius as a head coach is catering to each individual personality when it comes to treating and molding his players — has made sure in practice to let Johnson see and hear his four-letter grumbles.

And if Johnson racks up a couple of fouls or turnovers in Cameron Indoor Stadium shortly after the tip against No. 6 Illinois at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN), then chances are Coach K will have no choice but to ramp up the “tough love” mind games.

Ultimately, Krzyzewski must see this as the best avenue to take in getting Johnson to realize his potential — while still a Blue Devil.

Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball news and views.