Following Syracuse’s 78-75 thrilling victory over Duke last night, Blue Devil coach Mike Krzyzewski offered his thoughts on whether SU and Duke is a rivalry.
“I don’t think it’s a rivalry,” Krzyzewski said. “I think every game in this league, everybody has a rivalry with us. Everybody wants to beat us.‚Äù
While I’ll admit there is some truth to that, I don’t think it tells the whole story.
Sure, there’s not much history between the schools. The two teams have only played against each other ten total times. While there have been some classics, ten games is not enough for the series to be considered a rivalry, it’s just not.
So to me, no it’s not a rivalry, but it sure is special and it has everything to do with the coaches.
Jim Boeheim and Coach K are friends and they’re also two legends.
Last night, the Carrier Dome featured two head coaches who have each won over 1,000 games. That bond and those numbers are special. It’s a combination college basketball fans haven’t seen before.
I was fortunate enough to hear both coaches speak after last night’s game. The mutual respect the two have for each other is unmatched in college basketball.
It’s true most teams do give a little extra when playing against Duke, but I think Coach K gives a little bit more against Syracuse as well. With these two guys, it comes down to bragging rights.
I can picture the two discussing these games years from now.
“We almost had you in that first game.”
“That’s true. I still can’t believe I got ejected at your place…”
This is truly a special relationship.
No it’s not a rivalry, but these games are an awesome final chapter to two of the best college basketball coaching careers we’ve ever seen and they should be cherished, just like we cherish a rivalry.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
