Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, January 23, 1995 TAG: 9501250031
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder/Tribune
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the midst of its longest losing streak in 56 years, the Duke men's basketball team learned Sunday that coach Mike Krzyzewski is out for the remainder of the 1994-95 season.
Krzyzewski does plan to return next season, said Tom Butters, Duke's vice president and director of athletics
Krzyzewski had back surgery in October and returned to coach the Blue Devils' first games 12 games before re-entering Duke University Hospital on Jan.6 because of fatigue. He met with doctors and university officials before making his decision not to return, then told his players and coaching staff after Sunday's practice.
``I feel like I have made good progress in the last couple weeks, but to return to coaching without a 100 percent time commitment would only hurt the Duke basketball program,'' Krzyzewski said.
``The indecision of when I would return should be put to rest so the team can move forward. I am confident they will, and the coaching staff and players know I will continue to support them and monitor their progress for the remainder of the year.''
Pete Gaudet, a Duke assistant coach, will continue his role as acting head coach. Krzyzewski had not attended any games or practices since his release from the hospital, and his time off had been termed ``indefinite.''
Duke lost 78-75 at Florida State on Saturday, the Blue Devils' sixth consecutive loss. Krzyzewski's record was 324-149 going into this season, his 15th at Duke.
``It was a surprise,'' Gaudet said Sunday night, filling in on Krzyzewski's radio call-in show. ``When we returned Saturday night from Florida State, our staff got together with `Coach K' and had a brief talk with him. There was some indication then that the decision was going to be made. However, we weren't sure of that until today.
``I think when it got to be over 10 days, into two weeks, he could gauge the progress and knew stability would be important for our team. When he still couldn't set a date as to when he might be back, I think he realized that the progress was less than he expected and made his decision.''
Dr. John Feagin, who heads Krzyzewski's team of physicians, said the coach has made good progress with his rehabilitation program, which consists of daily walks, physical therapy and rest. When Krzyzewski experienced fatigue this month, it was believed to be related to his quick return following surgery. He was told a typical recovery period lasts six to 12 weeks.
Duke is 0-6 in the ACC, the only team without an ACC victory, and 9-8 overall. The Blue Devils play at Notre Dame on Tuesday and at Maryland on Saturday. Their next home game is Feb.2 against North Carolina.
``Coach K said this should be a new start,'' Gaudet said. ``In effect, what I think he was saying ... [was if] anybody did think he was going to come back with a magic wand, that wasn't going to happen.''
by CNB