Coach Karl’s Corner: An appreciation for Coach K

I appreciate what Coach K has done in his career. Since he stepped in to coach Duke in the 1980s, the game has grown into a billion-dollar business. Because of his involvement, the game of basketball has seen a drastic rise in popularity on a global scale increasing the opportunity for individuals to make a livelihood off the game of basketball.

Like Dean Smith, both coaches were advocates of the student-athlete. The “Carolina Way” involves being a student and I feel they demonstrated their love for the “student” just as much as they love the “athlete.” But what both coaches did particularly well was find the balance between the two in order to connect on a deeper level.

I’m thankful that anytime I’ve needed Coach K’s advice or his help, he has been there. While there are a lot of unhealthy characteristics of the UNC-Duke rivalry, there are aspects that are healthy. One of the things that keeps the rivalry alive is that we have respect for one another. We also have a healthy fear because we know that this is a very tense rivalry. And while that creates some combativeness, I respect, commend and applaud his efforts for growing the game of basketball.

Hopefully, we will get to see Duke vs. North Carolina one more time! It is a long shot, but in the realm of possibility.

I don’t think I could describe what this rivalry means in three words or less. In an attempt to describe the rivalry concisely, I would summarize it simply as “great schools and great teams.” It is iconic and works great as a rivalry because the schools are eight miles apart. The schools each have their own identities.

The University of North Carolina is the first public university and state’s representative. Then, you have an “Ivy League” private school in Durham.

It also has been competitive most of the years in existence. Consistently, the series has had great games, even great champions. Back when I was playing against Duke in the 1970s, they were searching for a coach. That was one of the many reasons we had success against them (9-3 in my time). But oftentimes when one team is highly favored, that’s when the upsets occur.

As far as the lack of a tribute for Coach K and recent bad blood, I don’t know any justification on why they did it. I never was a fan of shaking hands after the game. If anything, I preferred to shake hands before the game. I wouldn’t want to shake hands after being embarrassed.

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March Madness – Teams to Watch

Murray State: I was watching a game recently and one of the announcers said this year’s team was the “best team they ever had.” I looked at their record and way they play and got excited to think about how they will do in the tournament.

Texas Tech: I like their defense and tenacity. They are also not that far removed from a Final Four appearance. They are quietly a good team in the Big 12 and once they start playing teams outside the conference, they could be dangerous.

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For the college hoops fans, we have a brand new podcast to get you into the spirit of March Madness, Run It back. It’s presented by our friends at 19Nine and hosted by one of the only Dukies I ever liked coaching, Kenny Dennard. For more information check out TruthPlusmedia.com.