I love college basketball season. The Duke Blue Devils are my team, but it really doesn’t matter which teams are playing. The sights and sounds of a game on TV are comforting. I look forward to March Madness ever year and am sad when it’s over.
Throughout this cross country trip I’ve been able to watch almost all of Duke’s games – missed one or two due to campground location/weak phone signal.
Watching a Duke vs. UNC game is always exciting. The rivalry is as legendary as the coaches – Dean Smith, Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski, aka Coach K. Coach K’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium against UNC on March 5th was no exception. For the former Duke players in attendance, a chance to honor their college coach. For the current Duke players, another opportunity to play a great team and a chance to add another victory to their record.
I can’t image the pressure the Duke players must have felt – Coach K’s last game coaching at Cameron and playing in front of all the former Duke players and celebrities in attendance. Although another win was not in the cards for the Blue Devils (UNC 94 – Duke 81), it was an extraordinary night of basketball.
The tributes were powerful. The Crazies were on point. Mickie Krzyzewski was the epitome of grace, strength and pride. I won’t get into Coach K’s stats here because you can Google more than you’d ever want to know. He’s referred to as the GOAT for a reason.
I’ve been fortunate to see two Duke basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Thank you Matt and Barbara). It’s a magical place – the building, the history, the Crazies, the fans, the players and Coach K.
The ACC tournament starts this week followed by the NCAA tournament. Win or lose, I love Duke Blue. To Coach K… I sincerely thank you. Go Duke!
Stevens Pack 