Coach K on recruiting: "One of the biggest changes in 45 years of coaching is how much you have to recruit"
It’s been speculated that Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has made changes to his recruiting approach, shying away from the dependence on one-and-done superstar recruits we’ve seen from the Blue Devils over the last decade and toward players who, while still highly rated, are more likely to stay for several years, providing depth and experience.
While Krzyzewski didn’t explicitly confirm that, his thoughts on recruiting at ACC Operation Basketball emphasized the importance of having experienced leaders.
“One of the biggest changes in the 45 years I’ve coached—40 now at Duke—is how much you have to recruit,” he said. “You’re really recruiting all year long because of the attrition. As a result of that, the spring and summer go by really fast. That’s been a huge change. Then, not having the veterans has been a change.”
Krzyzewski turned and looked at seniors Jack White and Javin DeLaurier, meeting with the media at a nearby table.
“This team that I have, the two kids that are right there are really, really important for us,” he said. “This freshman class is talented, but it needs them.”
The experienced players will be even more critical as the year goes on.
“I think the season is longer for young players, because they’ve never experienced it, especially at a high level,” he said. “It takes its toll. This hasn’t happened with us, but a kid that knows he’s going pro could start looking ahead—things that with a veteran team couldn’t happen, because they’ve invested three years, four years. My guys have been really good, but it is tougher for young people. How old can you get in nine months? Hopefully, really old. Hopefully, you’ll wear shoes that don’t break.”
