President Obama called Coach K after Duke won NCAA championship
President Barack Obama called Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on Tuesday after the Blue Devils won the national championship over Wisconsin on Monday night, the White House announced.
The win was Krzyzewski's fifth national championship as a coach and first since 2010. Freshman guard Tyus Jones led Duke in the win with 23 points and five rebounds.
• Watch: Coach K dances awkwardly at Duke's victory rally
From the White House statement on President Obama's call to Krzyzewski:
"The president noted that this win was the culmination of an impressive year for the team, and how inspiring it was to see so many underclassmen help lead the team throughout the tournament, particularly in the final game. The president looks forward to welcoming the Duke Blue Devils to the White House to congratulate the entire team in person."
President Obama also called Connecticut women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma on Wednesday. UConn defeated Notre Dame on Tuesday night to capture its 10th NCAA title and third in a row. It its statement, the White House said that the president noted that Auriemma and his team have made the Connecticut women’s basketball program "a sports powerhouse."
• DEITSCH: UConn's Stewart aims for honor of best ever after third straight title
As is customary, both teams will be welcomed to the White House at later dates to be congratulated on their respective wins.
- Molly Geary
