Why did Mike Krzyzewski leave the match against Wake Forest? Head Coach Duke escapes before the thrilling end
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski walked off Tuesday night’s ACC game against Wake Forest at halftime.
The 75-year-old, in the final stages of the season with the Blues, was sidelined for the entire first half but did not return to the field in the second. Duke shared an update saying that Krzyzewski was “unwell,” but it did not provide any other details.
COACH K’S FINAL SEASON:
End of era | Inside the coolest game | Recruited by a legend
🐐 Update: Coach K is not feeling well. Will not be back on the bench tonight.
– Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) February 16, 2022
Athletic’s Brendan sign takes note Krzyzewski was “studied several times” by Coach Duke during the game.
Krzyzewski missed a game against Wake Forest earlier this season because of a non-COVID illness.
Jon Scheyer replaces Coach K, Duke survives
Assistant coach Jon Scheyer took over as head coach in the second half as the Blues led 42-33 against Demon Deacons. Wake Forest made a furious comeback late in the game, taking a 9-0 lead in the final four minutes and taking down Duke at 74 with less than 20 seconds remaining.
In possession of the Blues’ final strike, Paolo Banchero drove to the basket and missed a challenge, but Mark Williams completed the header to give Duke a two-point lead. Initially, the executive crew called a goal violation, but upon further consideration, the pitch was deemed a good basket.
As called by @dukepbp and listen on @varsity application: pic.twitter.com/up0ZQNf6k4
– Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) February 16, 2022
Duke went on to win with an overall score of 76-74. During his post-game media availability, Scheyer declined to provide specifics about Krzyzewski’s condition, saying only that he was doing “much better.”
Update on Coach KY
Jon Scheyer: “The coach is doing better. He needs a little rest, but won’t comment further on that. But he’s doing much better, he’s in a much better place.”
– Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) February 16, 2022
The Blue Devils moved to the final score 22-4 with the victory. They will next face Florida State on Saturday.