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Author
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Topic: Why Duke’s win makes John Calipari a trailblazer
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eleem
Player
Member # 884
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posted 04-07-2015 08:31 PM
Like many of you, I didn’t watch last night’s National Championship. No need to rub salt into that wound, thank you; however, try as I might, I couldn’t escape some of the headlines this morning as they rolled through my Twitter feed. “Coach K wins another one!,” “All Hail Coach K!,” and quite possibly the cruelest, “Won and Done.” That’s supposed to be our thing, man.
From the major national writers, the narrative today is how Mike Krzyzewski has “adapted” to the one-and-done rule. Don’t get me wrong, Coach K is a brilliant coach, arguably the greatest in college basketball history. For years, he has been the pinnacle of “good” in the game to those that cover it, while John Calipari has been “bad.” For years, Calipari has been crushed for winning with freshmen, but suddenly, when Coach K does it, it’s brave and bold? The question I keep coming back to today is why is Duke’s title being title being celebrated more than Calipari’s in 2012? Don’t worry, I know the answer, but it still irritates me, a sore spot on skin that’s already sensitive right now.
You won’t be surprised, but here are a few examples of the national media’s hypocrisy, from the incoming president and vice-president of the USBWA:
“A guy whose program was the province of four-year players in the early ’90s has now beaten Kentucky’s John Calipari at his own game – the one-and-done game. The first titles were won with Christian Laettner as a junior and senior, which never would have happened had he come along later. This one was won with four freshmen in key roles, at least a couple of which are likely to be gone to the NBA this summer.”
— Pat Forde, “Mike Krzyzewski adapts, turns one-and-done into Duke’s fifth title”
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Posts: 13248 | From: flatwoods,ky. | Registered: Oct 2000
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Bama Cat
Player
Member # 153
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posted 04-07-2015 11:16 PM
Ah but just wait. Will Duke be forced to go the NIT route next season? Me thinks there is a chance. Duke supposedly has 8 scholarship players, 4 upper classmen and 4 freshmen. 2 of their freshmen, the best ones, will probably be departing and I believe 2 of them are seniors. Sounds like a rebuild project is looming for Coach K. Can he do better than we did in 2013 when we had to go to the NIT? He does have one good incoming frosh. The one we thought we had for a couple of years but he decided to go elsewhere when he seen all the AAs we had here. If K doesn't go out and get a couple of these super stars his goose could be over done.
Posts: 14206 | From: berea, ky, usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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blue hoot
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Member # 398
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posted 04-08-2015 10:11 AM
As much as I hate to say it, I think duke will be fine. They will have Plumlee, Jefferson, M. Jones, Allen and I would guess Tyus Jones will come back. Along with that, they have 2 fives stars coming in and one is that Kennard kid. Also they might get another recruit in. So there is no way they would be an NIT team IMO.
[ 04-08-2015, 10:11 AM: Message edited by: blue hoot ]
Posts: 1497 | From: Wimauma, FL | Registered: Feb 2000
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catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 04-08-2015 10:15 AM
blue hoot, I think you are right on and I look at it as a chance to get to play them come tournament time and beat them by 20! We are Kentucky and shouldn't fear anyone. imo
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Posts: 186362 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
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