Coach K didn't consider adding grad transfers to Duke

Krzyzewski wanted to show commitment to returning players

Duke regularly loses a large portion of its roster, with coach Mike Krzyzewski building a team with a core of one-and-done freshmen.

Bolstering the incoming freshman class with graduate transfers would be an understandable option for adding depth, but Coach K has held off on the quick fix.

“I think it’s interesting what it’s done,” he said at ACC media day. “With this particular team, with this specific team, we never even entertained a transfer or a grad transfer this year. I wanted them to know we were fully committed to them—sink or swim. Let’s do it. But also, I think, in that respect, to show confidence to them. I’m not saying we wouldn’t entertain that in the future.”

Krzyzewski was asked about sophomore Tre Jones and freshmen Matthew Hurt, who are both from Minnesota. Both players knew each other in high school, but they never played on the same high school or AAU team.

Not that that would have helped much, he said.

“Even if they did know each other, it’s about developing chemistry now,” he said.

Chemistry has been a priority in the early practices.

“Last year, from our Canada trip, it was obvious that RJ (Barrett) and Zion (Williamson) are going to go, and then we added Cam (Reddish) and Tre (Jones, who were injured for the Canada trip). This year, we’re learning about one another,” he said. “Our schedule will really challenge us, hopefully make us better. I think by doing that, you’ll develop some chemistry.”