Tudor: For Krzyzewski, No. 903 will be just as sweet as first win 

BY CAULTON TUDOR - staff columnist 
Staff writer
13 November 2011
The News & Observer

DURHAM
 
Saturday’s win over Presbyterian was No. 902 for Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, but that total includes the five seasons he spent at Army.
 
At Duke, Krzyzewski has 829 wins, the first of which was an uneven 67-49 grinder against Stetson.
 
That game occurred on Nov. 30, 1980, and it’s safe to assume no one in the Cameron Indoor Stadium could have imagined the incredible success that would ensue. Krzyzewski didn’t.
 
“Those first three seasons we won only 38 games,” he said after the 96-55 rout of the Blue Hose. “We’ve had seasons when we won almost that many.”
 
But that first season actually went a little smoother than some Krzyzewski doubters had predicted.
 

Thanks to Kenny Dennard, Gene Banks and Tom Emma, the original Coach K Devils won their share (17-13, 6-8 ACC), knocked off No. 13 Maryland in mid-season and then stunned No. 10 North Carolina in the last regular-season game. They lost close to Maryland in the ACC Tournament, but landed an NIT bid and won a couple of times before being stopped at Purdue.
 
Krzyzewski recalled Saturday that he got the job after three interviews and accepted without knowing what he would get paid.
 
“I wasn’t worried about that, I just knew I wanted the job,” he said.
 
But after his second and third Duke teams went a combined 21-34 (7-21 ACC), the magic almost ended before it had a chance to take root.
 
A determined posse of Duke fans did their best to force then-athletic director Tom Butters into making a change. Butters stood firm. The coach’s fourth Duke team then went 24-10 and the seemingly endless run of championships took flight.
 
“Thank goodness for President (Terry) Sanford and Tom Butters and those who saw fit to have faith in me. I’ll always remember that,” Krzyzewski said.
 
The chance to pass Bob Knight on the all-time win list will come Tuesday against Michigan State in New York.
 
Just as he did before the game against Belmont on Friday and then Presbyterian less than 24 hours later, Krzyzewski will be “antsy” on game day and battle butterflies as tip time nears.
 
“I’ve had that feeling before every game I’ve ever coached,” he said. “I think when you start losing it then it’s probably a good time to say ‘See ya.’”
 
Krzyzewski isn’t losing interest or energy.
 
He was off the bench and yelling Saturday on the game-opening jump-ball when the official’s toss was at least three feet wide of the center circle.
 
“That’s just coach. He’s all in for every game,” guard Andre Dawkins said. “He coached just as hard tonight as he will when we play Michigan State. That’s what makes him what he is.”
 

GENE BANKS VS RALPH SAMPSON





"The Dunk"  




Duke vs Virginia

View the Greatest Dunk In Duke History

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Jim Spanarkel-
The Captain of The Ship- "RESURRECTION".
It takes a true strong leader to lead men (young men) in a conference that was, and is still, known as the best in the NCAA. But James "Sparks" Spanarkel was that one leader, that gave one of the youngest teams in NCAA tournament history, the guidance.

"Jimmy was such an impact player with his intellect and court awareness, that I was truly fortunate to have such a person and player, as a teammate. He allowed me to be free and be who I was, with all the pageantry and hoopla of my coming to Duke. But he also knew when to be stern and commanding, settling me down at the right time, when we played. I have only one answer to a question, that has been risen...He should have his number retired". Why? Because his contribution weighed in every aspect of Duke basketball and it's history, tradition and help bring the program back ....to prominence.

                             Where is Jim Spanarkel?



Global Wealth Management

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WEST 115 CENTURY RD
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Email: James Spanarkel

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Jim Spanarkel	(201) 967-4817	Wealth Management Advisor	Senior Vice President - Investments
Tony Browne	(201) 967-4887	Intl Wealth Management Advisor	Senior Vice President - Investments
Frank Granizo	(201) 967-2736	Senior Financial Advisor	Vice President
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                                              PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Jim Spanarkel, CIMA, CIMC, joined Merrill Lynch in 1984. Jim, graduate of Duke University, specializes in working with institutions. He is one of approximately 50 national Merrill Lynch financial advisors accredited as a Merrill Lynch Institutional Consulting Group Consultant. Jim is a member of NJHFMA. Jim is also a Certified Financial Planner™ certificant, a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Jim played 5 years of basketball in the NBA. He is also currently a basketball broadcaster.

SPORTS
 
Christian Laettner to coach 'Villains' against former Kentucky basketball stars 

By Kyle Tucker | The Courier-Journal 
5 October 2011
The Courier-Journal Louisville, KY

Christian Laettner, arguably the most hated man in University of Kentucky basketball history, is coming to Rupp Arena to coach a group of "villains" against a team of famous Wildcats alumni on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
 
Former UK player Jeff Sheppard, who now owns an apparel company and is involved in sports marketing with Wazoo Sports, organized the game. Former Wildcat Rex Chapman will coach the Big Blue All Stars, whose roster includes DeMarcus Cousins, Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe, Jodie Meeks, Chuck Hayes, DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrellson.
 
"It's going to be a special night. A lot of talent," said Sheppard, who played on both the 1996 and 1998 UK national championship teams. "The timing of this is great with the NBA lockout. Guys are just hanging out, looking for stuff to do. It just made a lot of sense."
 
The roster for The Villains has not been finalized, Sheppard said, but players interested include: Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Nolan Smith (Duke), Rudy Gay (Connecticut), Eric Gordon (Indiana), Zach Randolph (Michigan State), Terrence Williams (Louisville), Shelvin Mack (Butler) and Kenneth Faried (Morehead State).
 
But Laettner, the former Duke star who hit the improbable, last-second shot to beat Kentucky 104-103 in the East Regional final of the 1992 NCAA tournament, is the big draw. How did Sheppard get him to agree to participate?
 
"Pretty simple: I picked up the phone, called the Duke basketball office and told them what I wanted to do," Sheppard said. "They got in touch with Christian, and he called me two hours later. He said, 'I would love to be the No. 1 villain in this game.'
 
"I'm pretty sure this is Christian Laettner's first game ever in Rupp Arena. I'm very excited."
 
Of course, security will have to be beefed up for his arrival. Some UK fans still wear T-shirts with Laettner-hating slogans.
 
"The entire Kentucky State Police force will be on call for this one," Sheppard said.
 
Pre-sale begins Friday at Ticketmaster.com, at which time Sheppard said about 10,000 of the tickets – ranging from $25-50 – can be purchased using the code "BLUE." The rest of the tickets go on sale Monday at Ticketmaster and the Rupp Arena ticket office.
 
The game at Rupp will conclude a six-game barnstorming tour for the Big Blue All Stars.
 
They'll first play five exhibitions around the state against small college teams: Pikeville at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Alice Lloyd College at Knott County Central High on Sunday at 4 p.m., Georgetown College at Mason County High School at 7 p.m. Oct. 10, Union College at Pulaski County High School at 7 p.m. Oct. 11, Mid-Continent University at Graves County High School at 7 p.m. Oct. 13.
 
Kyle Tucker can be reached at (502) 582-4361

 LINDSEY HARDING-    Atlanta Dream WNBA.

I wish to state this....I am so proud of this lady-Lindsey Harding, that words cannot express the sheer joy of her success. Not so much of the athletic success that she is having with the WNBA team, but the manner of how she shows dignity, enthusiasm and a lovely quest of effort, to be the best at what she does.  I had the pleasure of taking in, not one, but three Atlanta Dream games this season and I must say, those ladies can PLAY!

 I had the pleasure of taking in, not one, but (three) Atlanta Dream games this season and I must say, those ladies can PLAY! Thanks to the kindness and giving of  fellow Dukie-Lisa Borders, who was very instrumental in getting the team to the city of Atlanta, I saw up close, the tension, the workmanship and strategy of the Dream and their victories. In giving myself a pat on the back, they have not lost, each time I have watched and supported them. (Yeah!)

From the first day she matriculated on the campus of that gothic campus of Duke, I desired to see this player and went to most of her Duke women's basketball games while she played, and fell in love with her abilities and grit. I have always been a women's advocate, due to my mother, grandmother, sisters and daughters. Her talents, in her sport, are viewed by me, as that of a seasoned quarterback in the NFL... Leading her team and placing people in their rightful places to run the offense. Then with tenacious defense and pressure, to motivate her team to do the same. 

Now that they have evened up the series with the Indiana Fever (1-1) The next game is so vital in going to the next round, and their quest for an WNBA title. Though Angel Mac is the "straw that stirs the drink", Lindsey is by far, the bartender that makes it. What a lovely team that Atlanta has and more so, that they have two Dukies  (Lindsey & Alison) playing vital roles in this journey. 

Why such admoration for this wonderful specimen of a woman? I can remember when I was the coach at a women's college (Bennett College) and Ms. Harding took the time, after a game, sweating and tired, and came out to meet and talk with the young ladies I coached. That to me spoke volume of who she was and what was inside of her. She cared enough to take that time, to interact and speak to young ladies that she didn't even know, but did it with passion and vest, even after a huge victory. She not only touched their hearts, but mines as well. That day, my love for her rose to unlimited heights. 

Now, you may not know, but there is a desire (and ability) of Ms. Harding being in the motion picture business. She has the manner, look and work ethic to be successful in that as well. My love for her is such, as a father would have for his daughter, a brother would have for his sister and a best friend would have for their BFF. But it isn't about just her abilities that she possess on the court, but more so, her lovely demeaner and sweet smile. But don't get it twisted, this young lady is Duke educated and her intellect is powerful and balanced. She is not just a wonderful and great basketball player...but a truly fantastic human being. Well rounded and prepared, to be
                                                      successful, in anything that she does.

                                           GAME 2  (Best of 3 Series-Series Tied 1-1)
                                     ATLANTA DREAM 94 - INDIANA FEVER 77
" Catch and Enjoy the WNBA Atlanta Dream on ESPN2 - Tuesday, September 27 @ 8:00PM "

GENE BANKS SIGNS 2-YEAR DEAL WITH WASHINGTON WIZARDS-
Gene Banks signed on to the NBA Washington Wizards club, for another two year contract. This will make it 3-4 years back in the NBA serving as an assistant coach and Director of Player Personal.

Gene will be responsible for the development of the big men of the team such as- Andray Blatche, Javale McGee, Jon Vessley, Chris Singleton and Trevor Booker.

"It is with great honor and pleasure to continue with this wonderfully talented group and fantastic organization. I have learned so much under the guidance of coach Flip Saunders and our staff is truly commited to bring the team back to prominence

Welcome! To my new site- A Duke Legend 20, where I will keep abreast of new and old information, photo's and testimony's of former teammates, friends and classmates.

I am proud of the Duke tradition and success that has been historically documented and wish to share some of my views, stories and opinions of Duke (past and present) and the ACC.

Enjoy this ride along with me and "GO DUKE!"