Mike Krzyzewski Quotes
Syracuse Men's Basketball
Syracuse vs. Duke
February 1, 2020
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski
Opening Statement:
“It was a great game tonight. What a crowd. Jim’s (Boeheim) team is playing so well. They’re so explosive offensively with those three perimeter guys and (Marek) Dolezaj has to be the most improved player in the conference. He is such a good player."
“We beat a really good team tonight. Our kids had to hit pressure free throws and I think that was the key. Tre Jones was also the key. I know Vernon (Carey Jr.) had a great game with 26 points and 17 rebounds, but down the stretch Tre didn’t turn it over, he hit every free throw, beat traps and got the ball back."
“I’m really proud of our men. This has been a hell of a day for our team. This morning, my assistant coach, Jon Scheyer, had the scout of the game. He was the guy who was responsible and when we were going through things this morning, he had amazing pain and we took him to the ER and we thought that it might be a kidney stone and it wound up being appendicitis. So, he had an operation at 2:15 this afternoon. We want to thank all of the medical people here that worked alongside our medical people to get that done. Also, our director of basketball operations, Nolan Smith, didn’t make the trip because his five or six-month old little girl has been in ICU for four days and she finally got out today. So, thank goodness all of our players played. Usually you see about six or seven suits on the bench and there weren’t many tonight. So, I think our guys really wanted that win for John.”
What defensive strategy did you employ to try and limit Boeheim, Girard III and Hughes?
“We tried to pick them up early so they wouldn’t be able to walk into their offense. That changes rhythm a little bit. I think they’re in real good shape, but it’s still wears down their legs. We also gave them an amazing amount of attention. The key thing was that we didn’t give up transition threes for most of the game. A lot of people don’t give Jim’s team credit for what a great transition offense they have. But running out of that zone, they can’t so easily. So, during the last couple of days, one of the things we practiced was getting back after hitting a shot. That’s why we didn’t press, so our guards could get back.
“We did a decent job on them. They scored over 80 and we scored over 90. So, I’m not sure that the defense for either side was fantastic.”
What impressed you the most about Vernon Carey Jr. today?
“He really went after rebounds and in the zone, he made some moves against it that were spectacular. He was outstanding tonight and he played hungry. Not that he hasn’t before, but he played really hungry tonight and we needed it. This is a big win for us.”
What did you think of the atmosphere in the Dome tonight?
“It was a great atmosphere. We’re proud to be in a game like this. Our Duke-Syracuse games have been classic games it’s always an honor to play and coach against Jim’s teams. You guys have been really lucky to have him for all these years. I didn’t know it was like the emperor was coming in when he enters the court. So, I came up to him and said, “Man, they love you.” That was so cool, and the crowd was great. Best of luck to them. We’re humble, but proud of the win tonight.”
Syracuse vs. Duke
February 1, 2020
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski
Opening Statement:
“It was a great game tonight. What a crowd. Jim’s (Boeheim) team is playing so well. They’re so explosive offensively with those three perimeter guys and (Marek) Dolezaj has to be the most improved player in the conference. He is such a good player."
“We beat a really good team tonight. Our kids had to hit pressure free throws and I think that was the key. Tre Jones was also the key. I know Vernon (Carey Jr.) had a great game with 26 points and 17 rebounds, but down the stretch Tre didn’t turn it over, he hit every free throw, beat traps and got the ball back."
“I’m really proud of our men. This has been a hell of a day for our team. This morning, my assistant coach, Jon Scheyer, had the scout of the game. He was the guy who was responsible and when we were going through things this morning, he had amazing pain and we took him to the ER and we thought that it might be a kidney stone and it wound up being appendicitis. So, he had an operation at 2:15 this afternoon. We want to thank all of the medical people here that worked alongside our medical people to get that done. Also, our director of basketball operations, Nolan Smith, didn’t make the trip because his five or six-month old little girl has been in ICU for four days and she finally got out today. So, thank goodness all of our players played. Usually you see about six or seven suits on the bench and there weren’t many tonight. So, I think our guys really wanted that win for John.”
What defensive strategy did you employ to try and limit Boeheim, Girard III and Hughes?
“We tried to pick them up early so they wouldn’t be able to walk into their offense. That changes rhythm a little bit. I think they’re in real good shape, but it’s still wears down their legs. We also gave them an amazing amount of attention. The key thing was that we didn’t give up transition threes for most of the game. A lot of people don’t give Jim’s team credit for what a great transition offense they have. But running out of that zone, they can’t so easily. So, during the last couple of days, one of the things we practiced was getting back after hitting a shot. That’s why we didn’t press, so our guards could get back.
“We did a decent job on them. They scored over 80 and we scored over 90. So, I’m not sure that the defense for either side was fantastic.”
What impressed you the most about Vernon Carey Jr. today?
“He really went after rebounds and in the zone, he made some moves against it that were spectacular. He was outstanding tonight and he played hungry. Not that he hasn’t before, but he played really hungry tonight and we needed it. This is a big win for us.”
What did you think of the atmosphere in the Dome tonight?
“It was a great atmosphere. We’re proud to be in a game like this. Our Duke-Syracuse games have been classic games it’s always an honor to play and coach against Jim’s teams. You guys have been really lucky to have him for all these years. I didn’t know it was like the emperor was coming in when he enters the court. So, I came up to him and said, “Man, they love you.” That was so cool, and the crowd was great. Best of luck to them. We’re humble, but proud of the win tonight.”
