In his own words – Coach K reacts to 1,000th win

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Mike Krzyzewski became the first coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history to record 1,000 career victories after Duke's 77-68 win over St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. He has won four national championships and been to the Final Four 11 times. In addition to his 1,000 collegiate wins, Krzyzewski has also coached the Team USA basketball team to a pair of Olympic gold medals.

Krzyzewski played for Bob Knight at Army and then coached under Knight for a season at Indiana. He broke Knight’s D-I men’s wins record in 2011 at Madison Square Garden. He got his 1,000th win on Sunday in the same arena.

Down four at the half on Sunday, No. 5 Duke (17-2, 4-2) went on an 26-7 run to finish the second half en route to Krzyzewski's record-setting win. He answered questions following the game in a televised press conference.

On what win 1,000 means to him...

"It was tough to get involved with 1,000 wins. I was just trying to focus on the game. There was a little while there when it looked like we weren't gonna make it. I am glad it is over — I am honored. Don’t get me wrong. I am the lucky guy. I have been at two great institutions in Army and Duke. Never had a day to worry about my back. We had six days between games, there are things that I don’t even remember about me were written. To do it here and have seven of my nine grandchildren and two of my three daughters and my wife, it has always been a family thing, I am glad we were able to share it here today."

If he was thinking about 1,000 wins during the game...

"I wasn't in it until now. The win means it makes us 17-2. We gotta go to Notre Dame on Wednesday, but we will enjoy it for now."

On what all he has learned over 1,000 wins...

"I changed a lot, hopefully I got better. You have to change the way you coach with the one-and-done rule. We don't have kids as long; that is why you have to hold on."

On the impact coach Bob Knight had on his career during their time at Army...

"I have thought of Coach Knight all the time. No one has had a greater impact on my coaching career than Coach Knight. His example, I use with my guys and the players that I have. He is still the best ever. I went to the best leadership academy and played for the greatest coach. They gave me a foundation and gave me the opportunity to meet other outstanding people in leadership and coaching."

On winning the way he did with honor and integrity...

" I hope we always tried to do it with class and honor the game. I have been lucky to play with great health. There will be someone that will win more, but it is great to be the first one to 1,000 wins. I am proud of the wins but also about the quality of opponents. Half of those wins came either in the ACC or the NCAA Tournament."

On how long he sees himself coaching...

"There's an end in sight, sooner than later. I am 67 (years old), approaching 68, but as long as you do your job you bring energy. It is not a matter of age; it is about commitment to what you do. I want the people around me to bring energy."

On clinching the 1,000th win in Madison Square Garden...

"Outside of Cameron Indoor, this is the best arena because it is so revered. I played here and coached here, it is the best. I didn't think that it would end with a win, but luckily my team pulled through for me. I like my place, Cameron, but this is a magical place. We beat a good and storied program that I have had respect for since my time at Army. Their program has stood the test of time so that makes it so much better."

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