Did Coach K go to West Point?
Coach K, or Mike Krzyzewski, is one of the most iconic coaches in college basketball history. He is the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, the most successful college basketball program of the past decade. He is also one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game. But did he go to West Point?
The answer is no, Coach K did not go to West Point. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in history. However, he was not a student at West Point. Instead, he was a cadet in the Army ROTC program at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.
Coach K’s Early Career
Coach K began his career as an assistant basketball coach at Indiana University in 1975. He then became the head coach of Army in 1975, where he served for five years. During his tenure at Army, he compiled a 73-59 record and led the team to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances. He then moved on to become the head coach of Duke in 1980, where he has achieved unparalleled success.
Coach K’s Achievements at Duke
Since taking the reins at Duke in 1980, Coach K has led the team to five national championships, 12 Final Fours, 15 ACC regular season championships, and 15 ACC tournament championships. He has also been named the National Coach of the Year five times and the ACC Coach of the Year 10 times. He is the NCAA’s all-time winningest coach and the only coach to win 1,000 Division I games.
Coach K’s Military Service
Despite not attending West Point, Coach K is a veteran of the United States Army. He served three years of active duty, including one year in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star during his service and is now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve.
Coach K’s Legacy
Coach K’s accomplishments on the court are unparalleled, but his legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. He is an active philanthropist and an advocate for social justice. He is one of the most influential coaches in the history of college basketball and an icon of the game.
Coach K’s Impact on West Point
Despite not attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, Coach K has had a significant impact on the Academy. He has served as a mentor to West Point cadets and has hosted numerous clinics at the Academy. He has also served on the West Point Board of Visitors, a group of prominent citizens who advise the Academy’s superintendent on a variety of matters.
Coach K’s Achievements Outside of Basketball
In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Coach K has been recognized for his achievements off the court. He has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, and the NAACP’s Jackie Robinson Award. He has also been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Coach K’s Achievements in the Military
In addition to his service in the Army Reserve, Coach K has been honored for his service to the military. He has received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor that the Department of Defense can bestow on a civilian. He has also been inducted into the U.S. Army Hall of Fame, the first coach to receive this honor.
Coach K’s Future
Coach K is currently in his 41st season as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils and is showing no signs of slowing down. He has stated that he plans to coach until he is 80 years old and has already begun to plan for the future of the program. He has also expressed interest in becoming involved in international basketball in some capacity.
Conclusion
Coach K has had an incredible career and is one of the most influential figures in college basketball history. Despite not attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, he has had a significant impact on the Academy and has been honored for his military service. He is an icon of the game and an inspiration to many, both on and off the court.