Quin Snyder On Coach Krzyzewski: “You’ll Feel Him” After Retirement

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – On Wednesday, Duke University announced that legendary men’s head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski would retire from coaching after the upcoming season, ending his legendary career after 42 seasons.

Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder, one of many Krzyzewski proteges to make a name for themselves in basketball said despite his absence, he’ll presence will continue to be felt at Duke.

Snyder played for Krzyzewski between 1985-89, leading Duke to the Final Four three times. After hanging up his sneakers, Snyder served as an assistant coach at his alma mater between 1993-1999.

“His impact on the game on every level, it’s been so tremendous,” Snyder said. “He’s given so much to so many people.”

Quin Snyder on the pending retirement of Duke MBB coach Mike Kkrzyzewski:

"His impact on the game on every level, it's been so tremendous. He's given so much to so many people."

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 2, 2021

Krzyzewski’s 1,097 wins are the most in Division 1 men’s basketball, and his five championships with the Blue Devils are second-most.

In addition to coaching at Duke, Krzyzewski oversaw the USA Men’s Olympics National Team, leading the rosters to gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

Krzyzewski helped Snyder land his first head coaching job, leaving Duke to overtake the Missouri program in 1999. After leaving college basketball, Snyder served as a D-League coach, an NBA and international assistant coach, before being named the head coach of the Jazz.

“What he’s done for me, both as a player as an assistant, and more importantly just throughout the course of my life,” Snyder said, “I think he’s someone that will still continue to give of himself to the game and to his players.”

More details: https://t.co/I3xujyGFLT pic.twitter.com/ynYx9q2NXA

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 2, 2021

While Snyder has found plenty of success as a coach after leaving Duke, he’s not a candidate for the team’s head coaching job.

Former Blue Devil and current Duke assist Jon Scheyer has already been named the coach in waiting and will replace Kryzyewski after the 2021-22 season.

“His support of Jon, and the rest of their staff, the team and the University that’s just who he is,” Snyder said. Obviously, it’ll be different not seeing him on the sideline, but I think you’ll see him and you’ll feel him in many of the same ways.”

Duke’s upcoming season will begin in early November. Krzyzewski was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.

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