Mike Krzyzewski is entering his final weekend as a college basketball coach. And in more than four decades leading Duke and building the program into a perennial power, the 75-year-old legend has cemented himself as one of the game's greatest teachers and winners. Krzyzewski has the most wins among head coaches (1,202), and recently hit triple-digits in tournament wins (101).
He's also reached a record-setting 13th Final Four this year. And on Saturday night in New Orleans, Krzyzewski will meet his longtime rival, North Carolina, with a trip to the national championship on the line. Whether or not the Blue Devils accomplish the storybook ending, CBS Sports college hoops analyst Clark Kellogg will remember Krzyzewski for his ability to adapt and evolve.
"One thing I really marvel at, admire, and respect greatly about Coach K is his unquenching, unyielding quest to improve and grow as a leader," Kellogg told Maggie and Perloff on Thursday. "It's evident in how he's coached over these last 10-15 years, the amount of adjustments he's made. And he's always been a very thoughtful ambassador for the game. He's always taken on that mantle of leadership and thought-leadership, as it relates to the game...
"He's continued to pursue growth as a leader... Leadership is influence. How are you influencing those who've been entrusted to you -- or those who you interact with -- to be their best. And so that, to me, is the most powerful part of his legacy... There's a joy in his players, and I think it's all born of their love for him, his love for them, and their love for each other. And, this element of wanting to do something for somebody else, to give somebody a gift..."
Duke advanced to the Final Four last Saturday, with a 78-69 win over Arkansas in the West Regional final. The Blue Devils scored 45 first-half points, led by 12 at the break, and also held onto the lead for 32 minutes. Four of their starters combined for 60 points, and star big Mark Williams recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards. Freshman sensation Paolo Banchero also added 16 points with seven rebounds.
The Blue Devils and Tar Heels will tip off at 8:49 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Caesars Superdome. According to FiveThirtyEight's projections, Duke has a 62-percent chance to reach the title game, which is set for Monday, April 4. The winner of this historic semifinal bout will play either Kansas or Villanova.
The entire Final Four conversation between Kellogg and Maggie and Perloff can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Maggie and Perloff Show on Twitter @MaggieandPerl and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.