The NCAA men's basketball tournament tips off this week, and it will be the last one for retiring Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
In addition to a legendary college career, Krzyzewski also guided USA Basketball back to Olympic dominance after he was tapped for the job by former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo.
Krzyzewski turned down a job with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, the year before Colangelo chose him to coach USA Basketball.
Colangelo wanted a culture change so NBA stars would once again see the chance to play on the national team as prestigious. He said Krzyzewski agreed with his vision.
“[Krzyzewski is] one of the best people I’ve ever known, and quite a coach to go along with it,” said Colangelo.
USA Basketball won three consecutive Olympic gold medals with Krzyzewski as head coach.
Also on Krzyzewski’s Hall of Fame resume are five national championships for Duke, which earned a No. 2 seed this year in the NCAA tournament.
