Mike Krzyzewski of Duke Basketball is one of the most successful coaches of all time, but does he need to win another ring?
It’s crazy to think that a coach as amazing as Duke’s Coach K would need to add another ring to his already impressive repertoire. It would be safe to argue that a man with five championships would not feel any pressure at all. However, expectations arise when you have what could be the best recruiting class in college basketball history.
Expectations
There have been a lot of expectations for Duke since they won their last title in 2015. After recruiting players like Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and Marvin Bagley III, it feels as if there has been talent left on the court. Many considered last year’s squad to be one of the most talented teams constructed in the one-and-done era. This team will arguably be even better. Shouldn’t that make this a must-win season?
According to betting odds, Duke is the favorite to win the title. However, that doesn’t mean much. Many teams have similar odds, so they are not the clear-cut favorite. Also, winning titles isn’t everything when it comes to a legacy.
What makes his legacy?
Coach K’s legacy is entrenched in many endeavors. So many chapters of his story have nothing to do with his rings. Many would argue that his success with the National Team is what makes him so great. Others might say that his 1027 career wins is what makes him a legend. You could even say that just coaching at one program since 1980 deserve a lot of respect. When considering all of this, having six rings as opposed to five does not mean that much.
Also, his legacy should be set in stone after almost 40 years of coaching Duke basketball. If he retired today, he would already be in contention for the greatest basketball coach of all time at any level. Adding another season and 25+ wins can only help.
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What else matters for Coach K?
I believe that one of the main reasons Coach K has sustained success is his ability to develop talent. In the one-and-done era, most contributors are in your program for about nine months. If high school prospects are allowed to go straight into the NBA soon, the majority of college players will want to stay for more than just a year. This will level the playing field and make it easier for Coach K to produce veterans. If he has players with multiple years of tournament experience, he would be more likely to win another championship. Also, college players would be looking more for a coach that can develop talent and less for a place to use as a stepping stone.
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I think that’s what ultimately matters to Krzyzewski: making a difference. In my opinion, he wants to make students become better as players and people more than he wants any title or trophy. That being said, they go hand in hand. If he keeps making a difference in players’ lives, they will keep succeeding on the court. Whether or not this leads to another ring this year for the Devils (which it probably will), everybody wins.