THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 28, 1996 TAG: 9602280518
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Relax, Duke fans.
Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski isn't going to Illinois, as rumors persist, and he indicated Tuesday he is close to signing a new long-term commitment to Duke.
``I am committed to Duke and to building the program back up to where it has been,'' Krzyzewski said. ``I have not been contacted by the University of Illinois, and I am not interested in it.''
Krzyzewski's comments were in response to strong rumors in the Midwest and in the national media that he is the top candidate to replace Lou Henson, who is retiring at the end of the season.
Krzyzewski is a native of Chicago, where his mother and other close family members still reside.
Speaking during Tuesday's ACC telephone conference call, Krzyzewski said he wanted to end the rumors and head off others that might arise since he will be flying to Chicago later this week.
``I will be flying to Chicago because of a death in the family and the funeral on Friday,'' Krzyzewski said.
``It has nothing to do with the Illinois situation. I would never do anything while the season is going on.''
As for after the season, Krzyzewski said the only school he would be sitting down with to discuss his future is Duke.
``We are in the process right now of looking at things for the future and I would hope by the end of the season an announcement could be made about me continuing my commitment to Duke,'' he said.
``This has been a great situation for me, and I think it has been a great situation for Duke, too.''
Krzyzewski seemed irritated that Chicago-area reporters have called his mother concerning the Illinois rumors.
``Mom is 84 years old, has been sick for three months, and with her sister dying on Monday, a lot of these other things don't seem important right now,'' Krzyzewski said.
``I hope no one tries calling her again, and I would appreciate a closure to this whole situation.''
Krzyzewski missed most of last season because of health problems after taking Duke to seven Final Fours, including two titles, in the previous nine years.
In his absence the Blue Devils finished last in the ACC and remained home in the postseason.
After another 0-4 start in the ACC this season, Duke has won seven of its last 10 league games and seems on the way to another NCAA tournament appearance.
Krzyzewski said he is enjoying this season as much as any previously.
``It is as satisfying a feeling as I've had in response to working with a team,'' he said. ``The players have given me everything they have, and I am committed to them.''
The Blue Devils improved their record to 17-10 by upsetting UCLA on Sunday.
They are 7-7 in the ACC with games at Maryland tonight and at home against North Carolina on Sunday remaining. by CNB