It's not about Duke. It is about Coach K.
As soon as he leaves the Duke sideline, the school's basketball success will take a nosedive.
We have cultural amnesia, which is partly why the 1980s has gotten a retread in Hollywood lately. Transformers... G.I. Joe... Smurfs...
One thing we've forgotten in the last two decades is that the 
University of North Carolina used to be what Duke is today.
University of North Carolina used to be what Duke is today.
UNC hasn't exactly declined--they are still one of the finest programs in the nation, year in and year out. But compared to their vintage standard of excellence, the Tarheels are a letdown for most of their passionate fans. And it is not the players' fault. It's not coach Roy Williams' fault.
North Carolina was, and will be again the second they win another national title, like the New York Yankees of college basketball. In their Dean Smith heyday, they were not hated for their success, not with the same fervor that Duke is.
There is a popular perception that "Duke has ALWAYS been good" which only a person under thirty would say.
College ball is about coaches more than player. They have influence, they stay longer.
So maybe Duke haters should hate Coach K instead.
There is a popular perception that "Duke has ALWAYS been good" which only a person under thirty would say.
College ball is about coaches more than player. They have influence, they stay longer.
So maybe Duke haters should hate Coach K instead.
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