04/05/2022
As a kid, my dream was to follow in Jordan’s footsteps and wear the other shade of blue. In H.S., the late Howard Garfinkel and Tom Konchalski told me that “I had” to consider a program where my style of play would be appreciated, where I could push my basketball IQ, notions of team/togetherness, and become the best person I can be under this particular coach’s tutelage. “Trust us.” When I got the call, it was Coach K. There would be only one shade of blue since — life has never been the same.
All in the Brotherhood have a similar story to share; iron sharpens iron. It is now our duty to teach personal accountability, sacrifice and duty. Thank you for teaching me the generational lessons you learned; the discipline instilled at Army; how reference points are transferable from sports to life; and, how to take direction, then be a leader amongst leaders.
No one in your first two years in the ACC would have believed that “K” would lead Duke for 42 years and become synonymous with greatness. There is a value to commitment and doing things the right way. Thank you for your time and example, Coach K.
Enjoy the next chapter of your life. Godspeed.