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By Maury Jackson, For The African-American Athlete
There is no mistake that Coach Mike Krzyzewski is one of the greatest NCAA coaches of all-time, if not the greatest. The numerous championships, successful players, and Team USA success have built up a career of accomplishments unmatched. Like the NBA’s greatest players, everyone has a prime. When they reach over that hump, they might not ever be as great as they once were. At 70 years of age with 5 NCAA championships, 12 Final Fours, 3 gold medals, and well over one-thousand wins, the result of this year’s NCAA tournament may be a sign for Coach Krzyzewski.
After winning the ACC tourney, many expected for Duke to finally transform into the team everyone anticipated going into the NCAA tournament. With the influx of talent they got this year (Tatum, Giles, Bolden, Jackson) along with the returnees of Allen, Kennard, Jefferson, and Jones, there was no reason for them not to be considered a pre-season favorite. With an up-and-down year and breakout season for Luke Kennard, it came to a close with a Round of 32 exit by 7-seed Arkansas. With the talent that Duke brings in on the yearly basis, the only school that compares is Kentucky. Not to mention the veteran leadership that they supposedly had, there was no excuse for such an early exit. The continuous shenanigans put forth by Grayson Allen only added onto their struggles this year. The old Mike Krzyzewski would not let this happen. He would not let his team endure such struggles. With back surgery and all of the other things that come with age, it may just be time for him to step down.
Besides 2015, Duke has been a disappointment in NCAA tournament play since 2011. A Sweet 16 exit last year, with a first round exit in 2014, another first round exit in 2012, and a Sweet 16 exit in 2011, Duke has been known to bust some brackets lately. One can’t expect them to make it to the Final Four every year, but the reputation it has only allows for slip-ups every now and again. With Tatum, Jefferson, Jones, and even Giles all possibly leaving, Duke will again bring in some formidable talent. Their exit this year may be a sign that Krzyzewski may need to call it quits soon.”
Krzyzewski will never be known for producing NBA greats. Laettner, Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer, the Plumlee brothers, Quinn Cook, and Tyus Jones never really had great NBA success after their college careers. Grant Hill certainly could’ve been much better if not for injuries, and Kyrie Irving definitely has the potential to be a great. Duke is not known for relying on one or two star players but rather playing as a team with highly touted recruits. There is no way Grayson Allen is coming off the bench for 98% of NCAA teams. Tatum and Giles were projected to be Top 3 picks before the season. Duke’s playstyle doesn’t rely on one or two players to do everything, but instead, contribution from everyone.
The last thing anyone wants is for a mesmerizing career to be blemished by early tournament exits towards the end of his career. And that is what is beginning to happen to Coach Krzyzewski. The talent Duke gets every year along with the fanbase and facilities they have make it no excuse. It may just be time for him to step down.
