I was a delivery driver in the DUKE- Durham area, and back in 2000 I was making a delivery to the athletic center that they were doing construction on. I was in the back of the truck gathering the equipment to hand it down to the crew, and I asked the guy on the ground if he ever sees any of the basketball coaches or team, and he told me that every day (tues & thurs) at about that same time (5-5:30) Coach K would arrive there to play racquetball with one of his assistant coaches, and this was about that time of the day. So I thought to myself, “yeah right”.

Needless to say the guy then says to me, “look! there, he is right now.” I glanced across the area, (we were around back of the building) and there was a white buick coming through all the mud puddles rather quickly, it stops about 20 feet from me and sure enough out gets Coach K! He had on white shorts, a white nike shirt and white nike shoes. He starts stretching exercises against the back of his car, I couldn’t believe my eyes, I live in Goldsboro and have never seen anyone famous! (I have been a 20 yr Duke fan) I said to him”Coach K” and he looked at me, then I said “how are ya?” AND HE ACTUALLY TOOK THE TIME TO SAY, “fine and how are you?” I was lost for words, I do not even remember what if anything I said in response!!!!!!!! But I just could not believe he actually spoke directly to me, i will never forget it.

It was probably no big deal to most people, but it sure was to me! I just think he is a role model, and a really down to earth honest man. You can also tell by his sportsmanship after games when he usually pats the opposing coaches and players (win or lose) on the chest with his left hand while he shakes their hand with his right. What a guy!

Way back in 1968 in Chicago at Weber HS, I met Mike Krzyzewski (a senior), he was to show me how to shoot a basketball. Little did he know, that this freshman never played basketball! Only baseball then! Watching him play for our team, as we won the Catholic League that year, I knew he would have a great career – but little did I know that he would be called “Coach K”!!

Thanks, Dennis

I came home from App. State to start my career as a banker in Durham. It was announced one day that Coach Krzyzewski, which took me awhile to say, was our new basketball coach at Duke University. Over the next 30+ years, he helped put Duke, Durham and the Triangle on the national map.

I have watched and participated in fund raising events with him that showed his commitment to Durham and the whole Triangle area. He gives back to our community; whether it is for the Duke Children Hospital, or helping raise funds to fight cancer for Coach V or building a gym for a local church that was dedicated to his mother’s memory. He has had numerous opportunities to leave Durham, but he and Micky have raised a wonderful family that are now grown up and following in his footsteps of giving back.

Congrats Coach on 1,000 games at Duke and for all that you have given us to cheer about over the years! I recognize and greatly appreciate your contributions to our local community and know that this has been just as important to you and your family, as your great contributions you have given to the many basketball teams you’ve led over the years. Thanks and congratulations Coach, you earned it!