After Oregon knocked out Duke from the NCAA Tournament, Dillon Brooks had a short exchange with Mike Krzyzewski. The Ducks sophomore said that Coach K told him off about that last shot and celebration, Krzyzewski said he didn’t say anything. The audio released from the short conversation shows clearly which one lied about it.
This shouldn’t be a thing, but when someone who just might be the best college basketball coach of all time who takes pride in not just being a basketball coach but a leader of young men and an educator, lying to the media and the whole nation while suggesting a 20-year old kid who just beat his team was lying himself is a big deal.
Brooks hit a three-pointer that didn’t matter as time was running out, turning it into a 14 point win instead of an 11-point win over the Blue Devils in the Sweet Sixteen. That angered classy Duke players like Grayson Allen who somehow wasn’t suspended this season for repeatedly tripping playings on purpose, refusing to shake hands with Brooks afterwards. Krzyzewski pulled Brooks close, and whispered some words of wisdom in his ear.
Krzyzewski: “You’re too good of a player to do that.”
Brooks: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
Krzyzewski: “Too good of a player.”
Brooks: “My bad.”
Brooks later said that Krzyzewski told him exactly that. When Coach K was asked about the exchange, and had something complete different to say. He denied saying that to Brooks, and pretty much hinted that the young Oregon player is lying.
I just congratulated him. He’s a terrific player. I didn’t say that. You can say whatever you want. Dillon Brooks is a hell of a player. I said, ‘You’re a terrific player. And you can take whatever he said and then go with it, all right?
The video and audio show clearly that Brooks was telling the truth. Krzyzewski? This won’t be the first time his words and actions come out as hypocrtical and untrufthful. For someone who loves to hold opponents to a very high standard of behavior while letting his own players get away with some despicable, classless behavior on the floor, this is a fitting way to end a bad season, and shouldn’t disappear without letting Krzyzewski avoid answering the tough questions he should be asked.