(09-17-2021 10:38 PM)esayem Wrote: I’d like to think Duke will fall off the map, but I know better. K will be coaching that team from beyond the grave.
While K certainly dominates the last 40 years of Duke basketball, people seem to forget that in the 40 years prior Duke finished first, second, or third in the SoCon/ACC 24 times and first 10 times. Basketball rankings did not start until 1950 but Duke was final ranked in the top 10 in 78, 68, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 59, and 58. There were final ranked in the top 15 in 79, 57, 54, and 52.
When Vic Bubbas, (an NC State assistant) left Duke in 1969, the program blew up because of an attempt to hire Adolph Rupp which caused a faculty revolt. Then Bucky Waters was hired and he had a military style that did not match Duke at the time. 1972-1977. People talk like 80-83 was the bottom of the barrel for Duke, but it wasn't.
Essentially Duke has been non-competitive in basketball for only 8 years out of the last 80 years.
Duke had the best overall sports program in the SoCon/ACC from 1933 until early 60's and it's not even close. MD, Clemson, and UNC had a few football peaks, MD especially. UNC and NC State had a number of basketball peaks but almost never at the same time. It was Duke who was consistent.