ADAMS: K is for knowledge
By Sam Adams, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 21, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.
Updated August 21, 2008 at 7:47 p.m.
It’s pretty easy to understand why Mike Krzyzewski has turned down offers to coach in the NBA. Coach K is king of the hill at Duke University.
I arrived in North Carolina to cover Duke basketball in January 1995 — one day after Krzyzewski left the team because of health issues. The program suffered through a rare losing year (13-18, 2-14 in the ACC).
Krzyzewski returned the following year, and I learned firsthand of his effect — on the basketball program and the computer spell check on night game deadlines.
The Blue Devils’ identity with Krzyzewski is unmistakable. They like to run. But you’re not a Dookie unless you slap the floor and crouch into a defensive posture.
Look at our Olympic men’s basketball team coached by Krzyzewski. The roster is composed of highly paid, supremely gifted star athletes, some of whom don’t need a last name for worldwide recognition.
On talent alone, the “Redeem Team” should run the opposition out of the gym. But the players aren’t without flaws.
This is where Krzyzewski comes in and does what he does best. Teach. The NBA ought to pay Coach K to hold a clinic each summer, for players who have entered the league without a real understanding of the game’s fundamental concepts.
NBA head coaches don’t always have time to teach. And those that do teach run into players who don’t take time to listen.
LeBron James and Dwight Howard didn’t attend college. They’re listening to Krzyzewski. Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, with one year of college before joining the NBA, are listening.
Kobe Bryant didn’t attend college. Even with three NBA championship rings, he listens to Krzyzewski.
The U.S. team is paying attention to detail. They’re playing team basketball. Shot selection is shaky at times, but they’re playing defense and winning big.
Krzyzewski probably won’t go down as the greatest basketball coach in history. But the NBA stars on the U.S. team have learned why Coach K has been worth more than his weight in gold at the college level.
Click here to join the discussion on this story in Sam Adams' Open Mic blog.
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