And this is why we love the sports. Where legends recognize legends like eagles spotting kindred spirits in the sky. Two icons from different arenas crossed paths yesterday (November 16). Mark the date. Duke basketball royalty, Mike Krzyzewski, aka Coach K, had an effusive moment while speaking about Indiana’s head football coach, Curt Cignetti. This could be the star on the Christmas tree for the Hoosiers coach, considering the week he’s had.

Before ya’ll jump to conclusions as this was just another standard guest feature on Coach K’s Basketball and Beyond show on SiriusXM, let us tell you, this was a full-on fanboy moment.

Coach K did not hold back, gushing about Cignetti with the kind of genuine enthusiasm typically reserved for game-winning buzzer-beaters. “I’m a big fan and an even bigger fan after having this conversation,” Coach K said, his respect for Cignetti’s no-nonsense approach to leadership palpable. “There’s no BS, and it’s all about the players and coaches. A big word for me is ‘opportunity,’ and you’ve given a lot of kids opportunities. If they followed through, I wish you the best.” He wasn’t just speaking in clichés. The Duke titan showed an almost meticulous level of admiration, even quipping, “I don’t know if you’ve felt someone behind you these last few weeks, but it’s been me.”

The praise visibly touched Cignetti, whose Indiana Hoosiers boast an undefeated 10-0 record this season. Sharing the interview on X, he wrote, “What an honor to be on the Coach K show,” acknowledging the serendipity of Coach K’s early coaching ties to Indiana under Bobby Knight. It’s a full-circle moment for Curt Cignetti, too. Sadly, Bloomington’s quote machine didn’t get the chance to release any new ones. But he won’t mind on this occasion.

Many consider Mike Krzyzewski to be one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. He led the Blue Devils to five national titles. He also led The USA national team to gold medals at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics. The mutual respect stems from shared values. Cignetti’s career has been built on giving athletes the tools to excel. A principle Krzyzewski holds dear. Cignetti’s rise, including his eight-year, $72 million extension and now impressed Coach K himself, is living the time of his life.

“It’s about money, it’s about sending a message”

This isn’t a Curt Cignetti quote. The late Heath Ledger as the Joker might’ve said this, but Indiana HC is embodying it. Although he isn’t burning his pile of cash. Instead, Indiana is using it to send a signal to the rest of the league. As few in the sport can find comparisons for, carrying a three-win program to 10-0 and the brink of a berth in this season’s Playoff.

A win against Ohio State next week (November 23) will throw him in the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis. If you ask about paying off, he’s done more than for Scott Dolson, Indiana’s athletic director. He has put a lot of faith in the coach Cignetti since hiring him in December.

As the Hoosiers eye a dream season, the praise from a legend like Coach K serves as an extra feather in Cignetti’s already impressive cap.