Syracuse head basketball coach Jim Boeheim and Duke head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski shake hands at half court before a game at the Carrier Dome. Together, the two have totaled over 2,000 victories during their hall-of-fame careers.
Coaching legends, hall-of-famers, and close friends in Jim Boeheim of the Orange and Mike Krzyzewski of the Blue Devils. The duo are the two winningest coaches in college basketball history and are coaching royalty. Cameron Crazzies and record-setting Carrier Dome crowds. Plain and simple it is must see television.
For nearly a decade the matchup has been a featured attraction in the Atlantic Coast Conference and all of college basketball. The sport welcomed the annual clash of titans when Syracuse joined the ACC in 2013. Since then this matchup has been nothing short of brilliant.
Coach K congratulated the Mercer players and coaches on their well deserved victory.
When I read that Duke had lost in the NCAA tournament, I was not surprised, but when I heard what Coach K did showed me what true leadership really means.
In 2008, I had the opportunity to go to Catholic Mass in Durham, NC. And low and behold, Coach K attended the same mass and was sitting less than 20 feet away from my wife and myself. A tall man, I really appreciated his humbleness at mass and how he put his faith first.
Back to the loss to Mercer. After loosing such a close game, Coach K in true leadership style went to the winners locker room and congratulated them on their accomplishment.
This is the true sign of a true leader who acknowledges his loss, but congratulates his opponent on a game well played. Coach K is the epitome of a great leader, not only showing it on the floor, but even behind closed doors by emulating style and leadership for his players and anyone who needs a figure to look up to during this day and age.
Thanks for being a model of leadership for me Coach K!!
The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month is the only football player ever to capture college football’s top individual award twice.
As a star running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Archie Griffin claimed the Heisman Trophy during his junior season in 1974 and then was able to repeat the honor the following season.
Griffin joined the Buckeyes for the 1972 season, which happened to be the first in which freshmen were eligible to play varsity football, and made an immediate impact. After fumbling in his only carry of his first game, Griffin more than made up for it in his second game by rushing for 237 yards against North Carolina. By the end of the season, Griffin had rushed for 867 yards.
