Mike Krsysewski breaks his former coach’s victory record
As Duke beat Michigan State’s men’s basketball team 74-69 Tuesday night, Duke players were more excited for their coach than the win.
With Tuesday’s win, head coach Mike Krzyzewski, 64, became the all-time Division I men’s leader for wins. Currently in his 37th season, Krzyzewski has 903 wins and counting.
According to USA Today, the first person to congratulate Krzyzewski on his accomplishment was the man whose record he broke, Bob Knight. Knight, one of NCAA’s most successful but most controversial coaches, recruited Krzyzewski to play at Army.
“I want to thank the basketball Gods for allowing coach to be here for this moment,” Krzyzewski said, according to USA Today.
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo knew his team was in between a rock and a hard place.
“I was either going to be the guy who threw the ball to Henry Aaron for the record breaker or the guy who shot Bambi.” Izzo said, according to reports.
Several former Duke players came out to support their coach, including Shane Battier, who won a title with Krzyzewski. Battier said, “I know if you gave him enough opportunity he’d give Bobby Knight a run for his money. It’s just amazing to be here on this night to see the culmination of this work.”
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