Make sure you get on the right bus,'" stressing the fact that education could make a difference in his life (Get on the right bus, 2010, Enterprise media). Coach K. shows his players that he cares for them as people as well as athletes, as he demands that they keep their grades high as well as show up and try their hardest on the court. Because of his history, he understands the challenging transition some of his players experience in a college environment, but he also does not make excuses for them. "That's why I'm against the rule (that prevents [players] going straight to the NBA)" he says, because he is only interested in players who want to be there -- in college, at Duke, learning as well as playing (Chavez 2008). "I look at myself as a leader who just happens to coach basketball" Krzyzewski (Gregory 2006). Basketball is the medium through which he motivates players to better themselves. Unlike some other NCAA coaches, Coach K. is always aware of the fact that he is teaching adolescents, and instills values and discipline in his players, rather than cultivates a sense of entitlement within their hearts. "At Duke, we wouldn't allow guys to wear a hat in a meeting… we're dealing with an 18-year-old -- there's a...

On the court, the coach stresses the need to give a 'safe space' to young players, so they can take chances and fail during practice, so as to learn from their mistakes. Krzyzewski allows players to take risks and experiment, and tries to alleviate some of the tremendous pressures his athletes feel to succeed, at this highly competitive university that also boasts a long and proud athletic tradition.
References

Chavez, Luciana. (2008, July 5). Coach K. And Duke changing recruiting philosophy. Oakland Tribune. Retrieved February 17, 2010 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20080705/ai_n28062133/

Coach K. (2010). Official Website. Retrieved February 17, 2010 at http://coachk.com/

Get on the right bus. (2010). Enterprise media. Retrieved February 17, 2010 at http://www.enterprisemedia.com/product/00490/bus.html

Duke basketball. (2010). Coach K. Official website. Retrieved February 17, 2010 at http://coachk.com/duke-basketball/

Gregory, Sean. (2006, August 11). Coach K. gets down to business. Time Magazine.

Retrieved February 17, 2010 at http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1225617,00.html