Duke University men’s basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski is known for bringing a never-say-die attitude to the sidelines with his team.
It’s something that has helped him lead the Blue Devils to five NCAA Men’s Division I national championships and a record 13 Final Fours, which he earned this year by taking control in the last 13 minutes of Saturday’s game against the University of Arkansas after the Razorbacks had closed to within five points. Duke won 78-69.
Coach K, Krzyzewski’s nickname, lauded his team’s unity after the win.
“They were a close team before the NCAAs, but during these last four games they have been terrific,” he said to cbssports.com. “I’m so proud of you guys and happy for you. You crossed the bridge, man, and we beat an outstanding team.”
Coach K said he saw a fierceness in the Razorbacks heading into the final part of the game. ”We were getting ready to get knocked out, and they the last 12 minutes they didn’t get knocked out. They played beautiful basketball,” he said of his players.
Duke starter Jeremy Roach attributed the win partly to center Mark Williams.
“He (Williams) is a hell of a defensive player. Love having him on the court,” Roach said. “Makes it so much easier for the guards to really try to pressure the ball. So, they really don’t have to worry if a guy gets past you, you know big fellow is always back there to back you up. He is a huge part of this team. We wouldn’t be here without him.”
Duke thwarted every run the Razorbacks made in the Elite Eight match-up.
“Duke was phenomenal. Would be surprised if they’re not playing to win a national championship,” Arkansas Coach Eric Musselman said.
But the University of North Carolina Tar Heels stand in their way in a Final Four contest this Saturday in New Orleans that is projected to be a clash of two of college basketball’s titans.
Getting there, though, was half the battle.
“We knew we were capable of this, and that’s what we’ve worked for since June,” Duke starter Paola Banchero said in the cbssports.com report. “So, to finally be able to get to New Orleans and have a chance to play for a national championship is a blessing. I’m just proud of the way we came together.”
