Coach K’s Legendary Career Started in New York

Earlier today, it was announced that legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski will retire from his position at the helm of Duke men's basketball at the end of next season.

Coach K will complete his 42nd season as head coach of Duke in 2021-22, before stepping away from the program at season's end. Reports also confirmed that current Duke assistant, Jon Scheyer will assume the head coach position when Coach K leaves, effectively keeping the hire in-house.

What people may forget about the incredible career of Coach K, is that it all began in New York.

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That's right, Coach K got his start right here in New York, as a player and eventual captain at Army West Point. He played under fellow legendary head coach, Bobby Knight, on a team that made it to the National Invitation Tournament in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1974, before returning to the game of basketball with Bobby Knight, now at Indiana.

Coach K began his second stint in New York in 1975, where he assumed the role of head coach for five seasons. He won 73 games over those five years, and brought the team to an NIT tournament of his own.

Then, nothing notable really ever happened for Krzyzewski.

Just kidding, EVERY notable thing happened for Coach K. He took the job at Duke in 1980, and has won five NCAA championships, the last of which coming in 2015. He reached 12 Final Fours, won 15 ACC Tournament titles, and three College Coach of the Year awards.

On a national level, Coach K has also had an illustrious career. He's coached Team USA to three Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016, and won a handful of other gold medals at national tournaments.

Who knows, maybe another national championship and Coach of the Year award are in his future in his final season. Crazier things have happened.