Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Check Out What Coach K Just Did in Raleigh

Retired Duke basketball leader Mike Krzyzewski talks hockey.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
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A year and a half into retirement, with Jon Scheyer excelling as his successor, Duke basketball treasure Mike Krzyzewski has time to talk to anyone he wants.

On Monday, the 76-year-old Hall of Famer appeared to catch hockey fever while speaking to the Carolina Hurricanes, who are gearing up for Wednesday night's season opener, at PNC Arena in Raleigh (a 25-minute drive from Krzyzewski's office as Ambassador to Duke University).

Krzyzewski has served as the honorary siren sounder for their games before. And as the official Hurricanes account noted in its posted recap video of his motivational visit, "When Coach K speaks, we listen."

His message, one of appreciation and championship vision, echoed the countless speeches he delivered to inspire Blue Devils across 42 seasons at the helm in Durham.

"You guys have unified our area," the five-time Duke basketball national champ and all-time wins leader told the Carolina players and head coach Rod Brind'Amour, a longtime admirer of Coach K, praising them for their journey to the Eastern Conference Finals last go-round. "People love you, admire you. But they also want you to win...

"Every once in a while, when you're walking past those family pictures that you have or whatever, stop and say, 'I'm lucky. I'm lucky to be playing the game I love, with the group that I love, and with the expectation of winning this whole thing.'"

The Carolina Hurricanes get their 2023-24 journey underway against the visiting Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday in PNC Arena — no word on whether Mike Krzyzewski will be there.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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