When you run one of the behemoth programs in college basketball as does Mike Krzyzewski with Duke, there is never a lot of down time. No sooner than he has returned from Indianapolis with a fifth National Title, Krzyzewski and his staff have to hit the recruiting trail and soon.
"Tomorrow, there is one day of recruiting for us from noon to midnight. It's kind of nuts! How did that occur?" said Krzyzewski who was obviously in need of not only rest but time to bask in his teams incredible accomplishment.
Recruiting never stops. No sooner than the Duke staff returned to campus to a welcoming celebrations, they had to get back to business. The staff was busy making calls last night as was Krzyzewski per his comments today in Cameron.
"This weekend in an evaluation period and then there tournaments in Dallas, Hampton and New Orleans that you have to be at," said Krzyzewski. He continued, "Then there is a dead period before the April 17th through the 22nd when you can be out again on the road for home visits. At the end of the month, there is another evaluation period, so we have to make sure we are managing our time properly while we are here."
One thing is certain though. That being that the Duke Coach can show off a newly minted championship ring on those in home visits. Krzyzewski always draws attention on the recruiting circuit, but there will be congratulatory hand shakes from his peers and extra notice from prospects as he enters facilities.
The Duke staff will also be able to point to the fact that no other program in the country can better utilize star freshman quicker. The success of this seasons team, where the freshman class scored all the points in the 2nd half of the National Championship Game will go a long ways in perception.
Duke faces pending losses to the upcoming NBA Draft and the staff will waste little time in trying to secure prospects like Brandon Ingram and Caleb Swanigan. Roster spots are available and the staff will look to close the most recent class out with a bang.
The Blue Devils will also turn their attention to future classes long time prospects high on their wish list. That list includes two in state players in Harry Giles and Dennis Smith Jr. and point guard Derryck Thornton to name but a few.
Duke will also benefit from the return of assistant coach Jeff Capel who withdrew his name from consideration with Arizona State.
So, there is no rest for the weary, but thankfully, the Duke staff is tired in a good way. Duke on top of the world right now and hope to stay that way through putting in the work.
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