Yesterday, news emerged that Duke has torpedoed the Battle 4 Atlantis & South Dakota™, a relocation of the early-season tournament typically held in Atlantis (the Bahamas, actually…allegedly). The other teams? Thrilled to play in South Dakota. It’s a great state, after all. But not Duke. Duke will not play in South Dakota. Mike Krzyzewski will not play in South Dakota.
We’ve long known Mike Krzyzewski is terrified of road games, a development that can be traced back to his defeat in West Lafayette in the 1981 NIT. Now, we learn he’s also scared of neutral-site games, or at least those held in the more southern of America’s two favorite states.
It’s fair to be scared, Mikey. But those big stone presidents, motorcycle rallies, and beautiful spanning landscapes can’t hurt you. Well, actually, Sturgis might hurt you. Don’t go to Sturgis. But the others? Those could only help. They might even help heal some of that tortured soul after 39 years of not attending the college basketball equivalent of church.
So Mike, take a breather. Make your calls. Blame it on your athletic director. And then go to South Dakota. Face your fears. And don’t do it for us.
Do it for you.
