Bob Knight |
Last night the man known simply as "Coach K" became the winner with most wins in Division I when the No. 6 Duke beat Michigan State 74-69 in the State Farm Classic Champions.
The Blue Devils (3-0) gave Krzyzewski his victory 903, tiebreaker with Knight, who coached Krzyzewski's College in the Army and his mentor throughout his career.
The third-year guard Andre Dawkins had 26 points for Duke, who took control by 20-1 burst that put them ahead 61-41 with 9:17 missing the Blue Devils play. After it was only a matter of counting the minutes until they could start the festivities.
With Knight sitting across the table board in the ESPN broadcasts and several former players in the stands, many of whom were able to attend thanks to the current unemployment in the NBA, Krzyzewski reached the top of the list to the 19 979 thousand fans who sold out at the Square Garden.
Krzyzewski immediately crossed the board in the direction of Knight after the match. Coaches were hugging cheek to cheek. Krzyzewski, with tears in their eyes, Knight was separated and closer again with his hands on his shoulders and then final pat on the shoulder.
"As soon as I told Coach that I want," said Krzyzewski. "I would not be in this position without him. This is a shared moment. I know he is very proud and I am very proud to have been someone who worked under him and he has studied and tried to be like him. "
The Cameron Crazies were not cheering for his coach after several nights of waiting and sleep in Krzyzewskiville. But the crowd was going to Duke began to hear loud when the Blue Devils took control in the second half, as the followers of Michigan State, Kentucky, Kansas and a group of New Yorkers.
"The basketball gods are good ... bring together two men who have done a lot in sports, special moments, and today is one of those special moments," Krzyzewski said, referring to Knight's presence in the historic game.