Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski questions playing basketball games during coronavirus pandemic

[Halldan1]

• Alex ScarboroughESPN Staff Writer

Coach K questions continuing play in pandemic

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski wonders whether college basketball should continue with the COVID-19 pandemic surging.

www.espn.com

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on Tuesday called on college basketball to consider whether it's best to continue playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I would just like for the safety, the mental and physical health of players and staff to assess where we're at," Krzyzewski said.

Krzyzewski's comments came after an 83-68 loss to Illinois.

The five-time championship-winning coach said that the idea for everyone to start on Nov. 25 wasn't planned well. The goal, according to Krzyzewski, was to get in as many games as possible.

Many players won't be able to go home and visit family for holidays, Krzyzewski said, arguing that this is a time when they should do that for their mental health.

"We're just plowing through this," he said.

The sport is largely governed by an oversight committee. "Anything that's led by committee is not agile," Krzyzewski said, adding that he's "not sure who leads college basketball."

An NCAA official said the organization does not have a response to Krzyzewski's perspective on the current state of college basketball in the pandemic. "We don't have any comment," said David Worlock, the NCAA tournament spokesman.

Krzyzewski cited the rise in COVID-19 cases as the basis of his argument. On Tuesday, there were 220,225 new coronavirus cases reported in the United States and 2,597 deaths, according to The New York Times.

"People are saying the next six weeks are going to be the worst," Krzyzewski said. "To me, it's already pretty bad. On the other side of it, there are these vaccines that are coming out. By the end of the month, 20 million vaccine shots will be given. By the end of January or in February, another 100 million. Should we not reassess that? See just what would be best?"

Krzyzewski recognized that his comments could be taken the wrong way because they were made shortly after a 15-point loss to Illinois, which dropped No. 10 Duke to 2-2 on the season.

"We got our butts beat," he said. "For the good of the game and the mental and physical health of players and staff, we need to constantly look at this thing. I think that's a smart thing to do."

Duke has had two games postponed so far this season, but as Krzyzewski acknowledged, what happens in December isn't as important to some as fielding a tournament in March.

"I know the NCAA is worried about the endgame," he said. "They're not as worried about the game we're playing right now."

 

[NYShoreGuy]

• Alex ScarboroughESPN Staff Writer

Coach K questions continuing play in pandemic

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski wonders whether college basketball should continue with the COVID-19 pandemic surging.

www.espn.com

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on Tuesday called on college basketball to consider whether it's best to continue playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I would just like for the safety, the mental and physical health of players and staff to assess where we're at," Krzyzewski said.

Krzyzewski's comments came after an 83-68 loss to Illinois.

The five-time championship-winning coach said that the idea for everyone to start on Nov. 25 wasn't planned well. The goal, according to Krzyzewski, was to get in as many games as possible.

Many players won't be able to go home and visit family for holidays, Krzyzewski said, arguing that this is a time when they should do that for their mental health.

"We're just plowing through this," he said.

The sport is largely governed by an oversight committee. "Anything that's led by committee is not agile," Krzyzewski said, adding that he's "not sure who leads college basketball."

An NCAA official said the organization does not have a response to Krzyzewski's perspective on the current state of college basketball in the pandemic. "We don't have any comment," said David Worlock, the NCAA tournament spokesman.

Krzyzewski cited the rise in COVID-19 cases as the basis of his argument. On Tuesday, there were 220,225 new coronavirus cases reported in the United States and 2,597 deaths, according to The New York Times.

"People are saying the next six weeks are going to be the worst," Krzyzewski said. "To me, it's already pretty bad. On the other side of it, there are these vaccines that are coming out. By the end of the month, 20 million vaccine shots will be given. By the end of January or in February, another 100 million. Should we not reassess that? See just what would be best?"

Krzyzewski recognized that his comments could be taken the wrong way because they were made shortly after a 15-point loss to Illinois, which dropped No. 10 Duke to 2-2 on the season.

"We got our butts beat," he said. "For the good of the game and the mental and physical health of players and staff, we need to constantly look at this thing. I think that's a smart thing to do."

Duke has had two games postponed so far this season, but as Krzyzewski acknowledged, what happens in December isn't as important to some as fielding a tournament in March.

"I know the NCAA is worried about the endgame," he said. "They're not as worried about the game we're playing right now."

He is just bitter he lost 2 ooc games at cameron for first time in a long time...

 

[Ryanpbkelly]

I guess your only wins being against Coopin St and a school playing D1 for the first time ever and losing 2 home non conference game to top 10 opponents will do that to you

 

[Halldan1]

Sat Nov 28		336	Coppin St.	W, 81-71			Home	1-0
Tue Dec 1		15	Michigan St.	L, 75-69			Home	1-1
Fri Dec 4		253	Bellarmine	W, 76-54			Home	2-1
Tue Dec 8		14	Illinois	L, 83-68			Home	2-2

 

[SHUSA]

what a loser. his team isnt that great this year so shut it down! hes taking his toys home!

 

[Seton75]

I am sure they have a ton of talent, but I watched for a while last night. Not too impressed. He can take those losses off his record like he did when he had that injury a few years ago.

 

[doctorcb12]

The timing of his statements may be controversial but he is correct that there was very little guidance on how to do this safely. Outside of the government stopping college athletics the NCAA does not care how many games are cancelled as long as March Madness. I agree with coach K that we do need to take a step back and reevaluate. Playing during a pandemic does not come without risk. Look at what happened to Coach Bozella and that was before the team had even started traveling. Bubbles are the way to go.

 

[HallB]

While I always agree appropriate precautions should be taken, I believe if you asked every D1 player if they would rather play or sit out the season, 99.9% of them would say they would take the risk and play. Why do "others" feel it is their right to tell them they can't or shouldn't play? Isn't it enough that you took away their fans, and restricted their scheduling to some degree? Now you want to cancel their season too?

 

[hallgrad80]

Major League baseball played, albeit a shortened season , so did the NBA, the NHL and the NFL and I do believe that the colleges have established protocols that have made players safety a priority for them and that if the pandemic hits college basketball hard they’ll stop playing.

 

[shu09]

Was going to say only a matter of time before he comes up with some excuse to sit out, maybe a "family" or "health" issue. He knows he doesn't have a typical Duke team and he can't handle it. Biggest phony in sports.

 

[catholicman]

Self-serving sanctimony.

 

[sami]

If he was 4-0 the interview would be about the courage of the NCAA in the face of adversity. What a DB.

 

[SOBO1]

It’s going to be really interesting to see how “road” teams fare this year compared to traditional seasons. I believe I read that home teams win 70% of the time in college b-ball. Would be interesting to see what that number is this season. I would imagine it do drop significantly.

Having an intense home court advantage like Cameron indoor might be worth +8-10 points.

 

[DIMEDISHA13]

While I always agree appropriate precautions should be taken, I believe if you asked every D1 player if they would rather play or sit out the season, 99.9% of them would say they would take the risk and play. Why do "others" feel it is their right to tell them they can't or shouldn't play? Isn't it enough that you took away their fans, and restricted their scheduling to some degree? Now you want to cancel their season too?
[/

While I always agree appropriate precautions should be taken, I believe if you asked every D1 player if they would rather play or sit out the season, 99.9% of them would say they would take the risk and play. Why do "others" feel it is their right to tell them they can't or shouldn't play? Isn't it enough that you took away their fans, and restricted their scheduling to some degree? Now you want to cancel their season too?

The problem is when that person gets sick, it’s not just confined to them. It puts other people at risk and takes away their choice of trying to stay safe and not get sick.

I work in a hospital and it takes away my choice to minimize my risk. You can say, I choose to work in the hospital, but normally I am not exposed to deadly infectious diseases.
Everyone at the hospital is just as tired of wearing masks and PPE because People refuse to follow the rules.

 

[catholicman]

The problem is when that person gets sick, it’s not just confined to them. It puts other people at risk and takes away their choice of trying to stay safe and not get sick.

I work in a hospital and it takes away my choice to minimize my risk. You can say, I choose to work in the hospital, but normally I am not exposed to deadly infectious diseases.
Everyone at the hospital is just as tired of wearing masks and PPE because People refuse to follow the rules.

Covid spreads even when you follow the rules.

 

[BigEastPhil]

He’s a hypocrite! He refuses to play Maryland because they left his beloved ACC but could care less when ESPN and the ACC destroyed and raided the Old Big East.

If his team was a top 5 squad team, he’d say nothing.

 

[ivyhillparkk1963]

easy for this multi -millionaire to say

 

[HallX2]

I sense this season will not be played to completion. Sorry but it just seems doomed. And it would be what you would expect in a year in which rutgers might actually be relevant.

 

[TrueBlue1989]

He is a complete phony. Bad back in 3. 2. 1........

 

[hallstorm]

What’s even worse is Bilas has basically backed up Kryzewski during the Florida State-Indiana game. Both of them knew how conditions were going to be and there had been predictions about a spike during the holidays. Neither said anything back then about skipping the season.

K is not a good loser and between last year and this year isn’t winning games despite having superior talent. Bilas just shows his bias by reiterating what Kryzewski said yesterday.

 

[shu09]

What’s even worse is Bilas has basically backed up Kryzewski during the Florida State-Indiana game. Both of them knew how conditions were going to be and there had been predictions about a spike during the holidays. Neither said anything back then about skipping the season.

K is not a good loser and between last year and this year isn’t winning games despite having superior talent. Bilas just shows his bias by reiterating what Kryzewski said yesterday.

Jay sure had no problem filming the ESPN commercials about the return of college basketball. Total hypocrite.

 

[DIMEDISHA13]

Covid spreads even when you follow the rules.

It does but I am referencing the original poster’s statement that if collegians are given a choice that 99% would take the risk to play.
Their decision to potentially get sick puts everyone at risk whether they like it or not. Why put others in harms way.
If instance, would you be ok with someone driving drunk. People choose to be reckless like this but it has the potential to affect someone else that doesn’t want to take that chance.

 

[HallB]

The problem is when that person gets sick, it’s not just confined to them. It puts other people at risk and takes away their choice of trying to stay safe and not get sick.

I work in a hospital and it takes away my choice to minimize my risk. You can say, I choose to work in the hospital, but normally I am not exposed to deadly infectious diseases.
Everyone at the hospital is just as tired of wearing masks and PPE because People refuse to follow the rules.

First of all, thank you for your service on the frontlines of this pandemic. While I sympathize with your sentiment, your logic would dictate that our economy be shut down for anyone who can’t work from home. While that is near impossible and would destroy our economy, there is a balance that can be achieved to protect both sides as much as possible. From my understanding these basketball teams have protocols in place to help prevent further spread and are likely monitored more closely than 95% of the public. In such a scenario, the risk is minimized and allows for the players and coaches to earn their living/scholarship and try to achieve their dream of advancing their respective careers.

From your experience, are you and your colleagues treating a large amount of young adults in the hospitals for covid related symptoms?

 

[Hallsome]

Was going to say only a matter of time before he comes up with some excuse to sit out, maybe a "family" or "health" issue. He knows he doesn't have a typical Duke team and he can't handle it. Biggest phony in sports.

I think he believes what he said, right or wrong. If he had a top team I think he’d bite his tongue though, even if he had reservations about not speaking up.

 

[Piratz]

The guy's ego is off the charts. He's embarrassed because his team stinks right now. This guy lives in a bubble. He and his program have more resources to stay safe than the rest of society to begin with, so don't make it sound like we're all in the same boat. Please. They get tested frequently with timely results (try getting a test now in NJ and waiting days for results), they have top-level care and medical attention 24/7, plus facilities to space, you name it.

Mental health? Whew. The best thing for the mental health of his players is to let them play the game they love, let them interact with each other, let them live. Not lock them down and isolate them when they're healthy. School kids (and through college) all over the country are missing out on so much because of this lockdown already, moments and memories you don't get back. It sucks.

Sports is also a morale boost for the country no matter how ridiculous the circumstances are with scheduling and lack of fans and that interests funds the millions of dollars per year he hauls in.

 

[Halldan1]

 

[Piratz]

DeCourcy is spot on, IMO!

K and Pitino probably think they'll get to practice and develop their teams during the down period to gain an advantage.

 

[Halldan1]

Does anyone not believe that if these two phonies had great teams they would be singing a far different tune.

 

[NYShoreGuy]

Does anyone not believe that if these two phonies had great teams they would be singing a far different tune.

Dan pitino has 15 new kids first year program with 2 starters out its not comparable...pitino pov has been lets play as full a complete season as possible late winter to mid spring....K weeks months ago said ncaa needs to have a tournament cant be missed again now diverting....here is the problem ncaa lacked guidance, they delayed the basketball season for the sake of doing so as if they were being proactive and helping limit Covid....it doesnt take much brains to determine people were gonna fratanize around thanksgiving weekend and inevitably those that are innocent who took precaution will intersect with those types and the shed and spread of covid will happen

 

[Hall-O-Daze]

I agree with doctorcb12. The timing of the comments and his team's current situation leads one to question, or draw conclusions, as to his true motivations.

However, it's not like he said anything wrong or inaccurate. We know he's only looking out for his own best interest, rather than the picture he tries to paint, which is of some good, fatherly figure who cares for the greater good of college hoops and has the interest of all the student athletes across the country close to his heart.

In this case though, I think both he and Pitino were spot on in their questioning and observations- true motivations aside.

 

[Halldan1]

 

[NYShoreGuy]

View embedded media

Jay bilas also said on his last broadcast that student athletes are essential workers

Jay Bilas Criticizes College Basketball During COVID, Calls Players 'Essential Workers'

Jay Bilas and Jon Sciambi worked Tuesday night's Duke - Illinois game on ESPN. Since the game wasn't particularly close, Bilas had some time to go off script to

www.thebiglead.com

 

[Bud Boomer]

There’s nothing quite like turning on the TV to enjoy my favorite sport, only to hear the announcer — who makes his living off the sport — complain for two hours about how horrible the sport actually is. The refs suck, charges suck, the players should get paid, coaches are hypocrites, the game shouldn’t even be played. Bilas is the the absolute worst.

 

[radecicco]

Not defending the NCAA here but the NCAA took those decisions back in September when things looked a lot more hopeful. Sure the experts said things could get worse and they have. But decisions had to made in advance for scheduling, TV, etc and lets face it a lot of schools need the TV revenue. The NCAA can only issue guidelines and the 32 conferences then make their own decisions. Obviously right now things look bleak going forward, there will continue to be cancellations and postponements. However, schools and conferences have been remarkably flexible and committed to getting games played. I think college basketball plows through.

 

[Piratz]

Everyone is jugging life. Welcome to reality, college coaches. Yeah, the pandemic sucks, you have to readjust on the fly in every aspect of your life from professional to personal and the two have never been tangled tighter. Indeed, schedules are day to day.

That's life right now. It's too much for some of them. They've lived high on the hog for decades, especially K. Easier to just punt despite having the absolute best resources to deal with this.

If they shut it down, I assume he gets furloughed since you cannot coach remotely?

 

[Section112]

View embedded media

What a kiss ass!

 

[hallgrad80]

Life as we knew it has been put on hold and we’re all dealing with a new reality and that includes no longer having the ability to go see our favorite teams whether it be high school , college or pro teams play in person. The ability to watch our favorite teams play on TV offers us a substitute and a respite from having to deal with the far more restrictive environment we find ourselves in , especially when we’re experiencing record numbers of people suffering and dying fron this deadly virus.

The question of postponing the current college basketball season or continuing play is not an easy one and when coaches raise the issue you have to consider the credibility and motive of those who are advocating putting the season on hold and Coach K and Pitino have little credibility with me relating to their recent remarks. I have no doubt that if Kevin or Jay Wright or large numbers of other highly respected coaches saw a great danger to their players from continuing to play they would not be reluctant to speak up and then an informed consensus can be reached.

 

[NYShoreGuy]

 

[Halldan1]

Alabama’s Nate Oats calls out Mike Krzyzewski over COVID-19 concerns

Other coaches were undoubtedly thinking it and Nate Oats had the guts to say it. He called out Mike Krzyzewski. “Let me ask you a question,” the Alabama coach told reporters on&nbs…

nypost.com

Alabama’s Nate Oats calls out Mike Krzyzewski over COVID-19 concerns
By Zach Braziller

Other coaches were undoubtedly thinking it and Nate Oats had the guts to say it.

He called out Mike Krzyzewski.

“Let me ask you a question,” the Alabama coach told reporters on Thursday. “Do you think Coach K would be saying that if he hadn’t lost those two non-conference games at home?”

Coach K made headlines following his team’s one-sided loss to Illinois in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, questioning whether a college basketball season should be played during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would just like for the safety, the mental and physical health of players and staff to assess where we’re at,” Krzyzewski said. “I know somebody will take what I’m saying tonight, and make it like I’m making excuses. I don’t make excuses. We need to get a lot better. But for the good of the game, and the good of the safety and mental and physical health of our players and staff and whatever, we need to constantly look at this thing. And I think that’s, I think that’s a smart thing to do.”

Oats, 46, in his second season at Alabama, led Buffalo to the NCAA Tournament three times in four seasons

Krzyzewski, of course, said in August the NCAA needed to have a tournament this year for financial reasons after missing out on last year.

“We can’t have it where two years in a row you don’t have the NCAA tournament,” he said then.

That was before his program had suffered two home non-conference losses in the same season for the first time since the 1982-83 campaign. The Blue Devils (2-2) also lost to Michigan State.

Krzyzewski does have a point. The virus has created chaos in the sport, with most teams not having fans and some of the biggest programs — from Virginia to Louisville to Gonzaga — having to pause their seasons due to the virus.

“People are saying the next six weeks are going to be the worst,” Krzyzewski said. “To me, it’s already pretty bad. On the other side of it, there are these vaccines that are coming out. By the end of the month, 20 million vaccine shots will be given. By the end of January or in February, another 100 million. Should we not reassess that? See just what would be best?”

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Yeah, Nate is great!💪 Laying down the truth with a smackdown on The Rat👊🐀