DURHAM, N.C. — Mike Krzyzewski did his best to contain his emotions all season long.
On a historic day that saw Duke get stunned by archrival North Carolina in Coach K's final home game, the 75-year-old coaching icon did what he's become known for over the years: He took accountability on behalf of his team.
"I'm sorry about this afternoon," he told a passionate fanbase at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday – addressing the Cameron Crazies, specifically. "Today was unacceptable. But the season has been very acceptable. The season isn't over."
Then, after keeping all the emotions in check all season long, the feelings began to pour out as Coach K shed some light tears.
He received a standing ovation and prior to the game, 96 of his former players gathered to greet him in huddle that stretched out across the entire court.
"He's leaving a legacy of mentorship," Duke University president Vincent Price said, greeting the former players who all built their legacy under Krzyzewski. The university announced a scholarship in his name and a tribute bench on campus. The court is already named "Coach K Court."
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Krzyzewski and his family had a huddle at the beginning of the celebratory ceremony – a heartfelt moment that had the crowd on its feet. Krzyzewski attributed so much of his success to his wife, Mickie, when addressing the crowd Saturday. The couple has been married for 53 years. He called Mickie and his three daughters "the four most beautiful women with all the wisdom."
"I was able to jump in the deep end with our program," he told the crowd. "Because my family allowed it. They knew I loved it. And I love them. I never heard my (three) daughters say, 'you love basketball more than me.' Because it's not true. I love my family more than basketball. ...but my family loves basketball."
Then he addressed his second family – 96 of his former players in attendance, which included all-time greats Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Jay Williams and JJ Redick.
Minutes before the tipoff Saturday, Krzyzewski entered Cameron Indoor Stadium to deafening applause, walking through a human tunnel of the former players. He made sure to touch every player as he walked by, acknowledging their effort to see him and their sacrifices over the years that helped make him the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history.
"The Brotherhood is not gonna go away," Krzyzewski said. "We have a great succession plan. For you guys to show up today for me and my family, means the world to me. We didn't play well today. And, there were times where you didn't either."
Coach K said he would try to keep his emotion in check before the end of the game but showed visible emotion during the national anthem, his last as the coach in Cameron.
"Greatest sports venue in the world," Krzyzewski told the crowd afterwards. "It's hard for me to say this is over. So I'm just going to say the regular season's over."
Associate head coach Jon Scheyer, Krzyzewski's replacement upon retirement, said the goal of the season has been to harness the emotions and turn them into wins. So far, that's been the case for a Duke young team (26-5, 16-4 ACC) that's emerged as a national title contender and potential No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. But Scheyer said his own emotions that he's managing work as a "double-edged sword" on a personal level since he played for Coach K and led Duke to a national title in 2010.
"That’s my coach right there," Scheyer told USA TODAY. "I know he’ll be mad at me for saying this, but it’s his final season. For me and the players, when you’re trying to do something to the best of your ability, you have to naturally feel something. We’re going to follow his lead, but this season is emotional. That emotion is important to fuel this year’s team."
Follow college basketball reporter Scott Gleeson on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.
