“I feel like I’m harping on and reflecting on so much of what he gave us—not just the winning, the banners, and Krzyzewskiville—but also the excitement that comes with it,” Grant Hill said. But what made Coach Mike Krzyzewski, or Coach K, different? It wasn’t just his game plans. “He took the time to understand his players, which is a great lesson in leadership”. He connected with them, adapted to different personalities, and built trust. That’s what made him great.

One game, in particular, proved just how much his leadership mattered. The 1992 NCAA East Regional Final between Duke and Kentucky is still considered one of the best college basketball games ever. How so? With only 2.1 seconds left and Duke trailing 103–102, Hill threw a perfect full-court pass to Christian Laettner, who hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer. But what was happening in the huddle before that moment? Was there doubt? Panic? According to Hill, that’s when Coach K’s leadership shined the most.

Grant Hill recently shared the words that changed everything. “Coach really was the foundation for our success in that moment.” As the team walked to the bench, he met them on the court, looked them in the eyes, and said, “We’re going to win.” Then, instead of demanding perfection, he asked Hill, if he “could make the pass,” and Laettner, “Can you make the shot?” And Laettner’s response couldn’t be more perfect. “If Grant makes the pass, I’ll make the shot.” Coach K knew exactly how to inspire his team when it mattered most.

Now, in 2025, Duke is back in the NCAA Final, and the big question is, will the history repeat itself? Only time will tell. This time, though, it’s Cooper Flagg who is in the spotlight. Moreover, Flagg has led Duke to an ACC title. The team is now standing on the edge of a national championship. But here’s the real question- could this be another iconic Duke moment? Could Flagg’s name be etched into history which play fans will talk about for decades?

Grant Hill almost wore Carolina Blue?

Grant Hill is one of Duke’s greatest players, but what if he had never joined the Blue Devils? Believe it or not, he nearly did just that. Growing up in Northern Virginia, Hill was a huge fan of Georgetown and North Carolina. “I vividly remember…I was nine years old watching the NCAA championship game in 1982 when Georgetown played North Carolina,” he recalled. At the time, those two programs had his full attention.

So, how did Duke win him over? As Hill’s talent grew, so did his awareness of Coach Mike Krzyzewski and his program. “The more I got to know Coach K as he was recruiting me, the more it just felt right,” he admitted. And Duke found its way towards Hill. Because by his senior year of high school, Hill committed to Duke, leaving his childhood favorites behind. “Starting in 1989, we started drinking the Duke Kool-Aid, and it’s been tasting good ever since,” he joked.

Ultimately, that one decision led to a legendary college career. As a freshman, Grant Hill helped Duke win its first NCAA Championship in 1991 alongside Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley. Eventually, he became the team’s leader, winning Naismith College Player of the Year honors. Though they fell short of another championship, his time at Duke paved the way for a remarkable NBA career — one that could have been even greater if not for injuries.

Looking back, it’s hard to imagine Hill in Carolina blue. What if Coach K hadn’t convinced him? What if he had played under Dean Smith? We’ll never know, but one thing is certain—Duke wouldn’t be the same without Grant Hill.