The Duke Blue Devils are set to honor their legacy and the significance of Veterans Day as they face off against Army on Tuesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. The game, which can be viewed on CBS Sports Network, not only highlights the fourth-ranked Blue Devils’ impressive history in college basketball but also pays tribute to Duke’s former coach, Mike Krzyzewski, who has ties to both Duke and West Point.
Krzyzewski, who played for the Army Black Knights and coached there for five seasons, is a pivotal figure in the history of modern Duke basketball, boasting an astounding record of 1,438 wins against 309 losses during his 42-season tenure. His connection to West Point adds a sentimental layer to this matchup, as Duke coach Jon Scheyer expressed the special significance of playing on Veterans Day. “To honor all the veterans on Veterans Day, that’s a special thing to be playing at West Point for that reason,” Scheyer noted.
On the flight to New York, Krzyzewski will accompany the team, which adds a nostalgic touch to this event. Scheyer humorously mentioned the possibility of Krzyzewski watching game film or reminiscing about his time at Army during the flight. The last time Duke played at West Point was during the 1997 season opener, which they won decisively, marking the debut of notable players like Elton Brand and Shane Battier.
Duke and Army have faced each other nine times to date, with the Blue Devils winning every match by an impressive average margin of 39.3 points. Last season, Duke triumphed with a commanding 100-58 victory over Army. Army coach Kevin Kuwik expressed his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, emphasizing the significance of hosting such a prestigious program on a day that honors veterans and connects with Coach K’s legacy.
Duke guard Caleb Foster mentioned a special gesture for the game: players will wear USA flags on their shoes to commemorate the occasion, enhancing the meaningful nature of the event. As the teams prepare for this remarkable evening, it promises not just a competitive basketball game but also a heartfelt celebration of veterans and a reflection on the powerful connections between basketball and service.