Legendary Coaches Williams and Krzyzewski Reflect on Rivalry and College Basketball’s Future

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Two of college basketball’s most iconic figures, Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski, set aside their storied rivalry for a rare joint interview last year at Greensboro Coliseum. The Naismith Hall of Famers discussed their mutual respect, the evolution of their coaching careers, and the challenges facing modern college basketball.

The hour-long conversation, filled with laughter and candid reflections, highlighted the deep bond between the former North Carolina and Duke coaches. Williams, who retired in 2021, and Krzyzewski, who stepped down in 2022, shared insights into their recruiting philosophies, coaching styles, and the enduring legacy of their programs.

Williams praised Krzyzewski’s off-court impact, saying, “Mike was far better off the court with not just his players, his family. When a guy made the decision to come play for me, he became part of my family.” Krzyzewski, in turn, credited Dean Smith, Williams’ mentor, for establishing a culture of loyalty and values that influenced both programs. “Dean established what we call family, but it’s common ground. Everyone owned it,” Krzyzewski said.

The coaches also addressed the changing landscape of college basketball, particularly the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal. Williams called for greater leadership within the sport, stating, “We need an NCAA Men’s Basketball czar. We never had that. It’s trying times.” Krzyzewski echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for coaches to have a stronger voice in decision-making. “If we’re going to lead the sport the right way, we have to get the people who coach it to have a bigger voice,” he said.

Both coaches reflected on their recruiting strategies, with Williams emphasizing character and Krzyzewski highlighting the importance of talent, fit, and integrity. “I always looked at the relationship that kid had with his mother,” Krzyzewski said. “They show you a lot in their relationship with their parents.”

The interview also touched on lighter moments, including their approaches to timeouts and interactions with referees. Williams joked about his reluctance to call timeouts, while Krzyzewski admitted he may have talked to officials too much. “Looking back, I probably talked to them too much, but what the hell?” Krzyzewski quipped.

As the conversation concluded, both coaches expressed gratitude for their careers and the rivalry that defined them. “We are the only sport where the coaches really don’t have anything to say,” Williams said. “It’s a real interesting time.” Krzyzewski added, “It’s like a house in California. It used to be inland. Now, it’s right up on the cliff. There needs to be support.”