When Mike Krzyzewski arrived at West Point for their Veterans Day game, the Hall of Famer took players and staff to some of the U.S. Military Academy’s historic landmarks, including Trophy Point.
For the winningest coach in men’s basketball history, Krzyzewski was enjoying a homecoming. The place where he was once a cadet, a player under Bobby Knight, and the site of his first head coaching job 50 years ago.
Before tipoff Tuesday, Krzyzewski reflected on those years during a ceremony that honored his legacy. Eleven of his former Army players joined him on the court to salute their coach.
“These young men represent the two best institutions in our country — the United States Military Academy and Duke University,” Krzyzewski said via the AP.
COACH K IS BACK AT CHRISTL ARENA 🔥
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 12, 2025
Legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski returned to Army, his alma mater, to watch the Black Knights take on Duke on Veterans Day 🫶 pic.twitter.com/S6h9lCLNSv
Army unveiled a banner at Christl Arena recognizing Krzyzewski’s 1,202 career wins, including his first 73 at West Point, along with his five national championships at Duke. “To me, West Point was the basis of everything that I’ve done in my professional career,” Krzyzewski said. “It taught me how to be a leader.”
On the court, the fourth-ranked Blue Devils honored him with dominance. Duke used a 65-point second half to rout Army 114-59 and improve to 3-0. Dame Sarr led with 19 points, and Isaiah Evans added 16.
Duke hit five 3-pointers in the opening eight minutes and shot 57% overall, while holding Army to 24.5% from deep.
“Tonight is very special,” Krzyzewski said. “You’re not going to see 10 better guys all year in college basketball than the ones on the court tonight.”
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