Would You Still Be a Devoted Duke Fan IF . . . ?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

How long would you stay a devoted Duke fan if Duke had coaches who produced records like, say, Herb Sendek - and if the powers that be at Duke seemed content to win at that level?

I ask that because a lot of us have looked at State and said things like "I bet you wish you had kept Sendek." Or "why couldn't you be satisfied with Sendek?"

But would YOU be satisfied with that? I mean, here's a guy who took his team to the NCAAT his last 5 seasons at State. Most schools would kill for that. Heck, a bunch of schools in the ACC would probably kill for that.

What happens when K retires if the next coach (or coaches, as the case may be) are no better than Sendek?

I doubt anyone will stop watching Duke basketball, but would it change anything?

[Disclaimer: I posted this same basic question on the UNC board. Curious to see what people here think, too.]

 

[skysdad]

I will be a Duke fan even if I'm the last person posting on this board. I was a Duke fan way before we knew who Coach K was and even how to pronounce his name. I was a Duke fan in the lean years and everyone knew it. I know you didn't mean anything negative about Duke fans and bandwagon fans because of Coach K. I'm not sure you are trying to knock NCSU fans or not. To be honest and frank with even when the NCSU program was at its best during the David Thompson era the Wolfpack were no where near as obnoxious and arrogant as unc cheater u fans when they were kicking Duke up and down the court. I was curious Duke fan then and remember very well how fans hated Norman Sloan just as much as they hate Coach K today. It's always been stay in your place and don't have the nerve to beat unc on a regular basis or your coach, players and fans become the target offor the privileged and the entitled. As for stop watching Duke basketball or no matter who the coach is I will always be a Duke fan no matter what even if they cheat the way unc cheater u has done although I will be totally disappointed and ashamed unlike the majority of heel fans and Iwould demand changes yes I will be a Duke fan. Does this post give you a good take on the way I feel? OFC

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

I will always be a Duke fan, no matter the record. Loyalty, to me, is very important. In fact I've told more than a few people I would rather have loyalty toward me than love (even though they can be intertwined).
Now would losing be as much fun? Obviously, hell no! And especially if UNC is doing well. Whatever happens in the future, us Blue Devil fans have been extremely
fortunate to have a program with such a great history. Go Duke! GTHC, GTH!

But it is a good question, WWJD. There are many Duke fans (as any other fan base) that will abandon ship when the sailing isn't so smooth. It's human nature, people love a winner.

OFC

 

[hpnole]

I will be a Duke fan even if I'm the last person posting on this board. I was a Duke fan way before we knew who Coach K was and even how to pronounce his name. I was a Duke fan in the lean years and everyone knew it. I know you didn't mean anything negative about Duke fans and bandwagon fans because of Coach K. I'm not sure you are trying to knock NCSU fans or not. To be honest and Frank with even when the NCSU program was at its best during the David Thompson era the Wolfpack were no where near as obnoxious and arrogant as unc cheater u fans when they were kicking Duke up and down the court. I was curious Duke fan then and remember very well how fans hated Norman Sloan just as much as they hate Coach K today. It's always been stay in your place and don't have the nerve to beat unc on a regular basis or your coach, players and fans become the target offor the privileged and the entitled. As for stop watching Duke basketball or no matter who the coach is I will always be a Duke fan no matter what even if they cheat the way unc cheater u has done although I will be totally disappointed and ashamed unlike the majority of heel fans and Iwould demand changes yes I will be a duke a Duke fan. Does this post give you a good take on the way I feel? OFC

agree with this. I am 75 , have been a Duke fan since the early 60's. I have seen a lot of lean, and I mean lean years. Never gave up on them though. I do not look forward to the years following K's retirement.

 

[QC Dukie]

The only thing that would keep me from being a loyal Duke fan is if we got caught cheating for twenty plus years.

 

[Dukeman]

I was a Duke fan during the Bucky Waters, Neil McGeahy and very early K years. Always was a Duke fan even during all the terrible football years. I think that covers my Duke fan loyalty.

 

[Liftee]

I can't even imagine such a scenario. I would question my own existence if that happened.

 

[SwatX1]

I can’t stop being a Duke fan. The tattoo on my leg would be to hard to explain to people.

The only way I would stop being a Duke fan, that I can think of. Is if Cal, Roy. Or Calhoun became the coach ( I wouldn’t trash talk cal while he was somewhere else and then think he’s a god like the most storied face of college basketball that IS BBN has done!)

Now, being completely honest, as long as we are respectable and making the tourney, I would still watch every game, but if we turned into A year in year out .500 team....I don’t think I would get too upset if I missed a couple

 

[skysdad]

I can’t stop being a Duke fan. The tattoo on my leg would be to hard to explain to people.

The only way I would stop being a Duke fan, that I can think of. Is if Cal, Roy. Or Calhoun became the coach ( I wouldn’t trash talk cal while he was somewhere else and then think he’s a god like the most storied face of college basketball that IS BBN has done!)

Now, being completely honest, as long as we are respectable and making the tourney, I would still watch every game, but if we turned into A year in year out .500 team....I don’t think I would get too upset if I missed a couple

I would be a Duke fan no matter who the coach is. OFC

 

[nets on nets on nets]

We could have all 5 titles taken because of blatent cheating, stripped of every win ever, been found to have cheated for 50+ years, paid players, cheated academically andddddddd I would still be a devoted Duke fan watching 40 minutes of every game.

 

[SwatX1]

I would be a Duke fan no matter who the coach is. OFC

Sorry man, I think if I saw one of those 3 guys coaching our team, I would puke every time the camera showed the bench. I just don’t think I could do it. Cal at Duke? I don’t know man!!! Don’t know if I could do it!!!

 

[skysdad]

Sorry man, I think if I saw one of those 3 guys coaching our team, I would puke every time the camera showed the bench. I just don’t think I could do it. Cal at Duke? I don’t know man!!! Don’t know if I could do it!!!

I really don't think you have to be worried about that but think about what you are saying. OFC

 

[SwatX1]

I really don't think you have to be worried about that but think about what you are saying. OFC

I’ll think about it later. I can’t right now.....I just ate!!!

 

[bouxdag]

I would watch/cheer for Duke basketball whether they continue to have the same level of success or not. My parents went to Duke and I was raised on it.

However, I think the NCAA is a complete joke of an organization and I hope another league or leagues gain popularity until the NCAA is virtually dead, compared to where it is now. And at that point, no I wouldn't watch or maintain interest.

I realize this is unlikely to happen.

 

[Mac9192]

I can’t say how I’d be if the program brought in some sleazy hack. I want the program to win, but not at any costs.

That wouldn’t be the Duke team I’ve pulled for. I know things are different now than they were 10+ years ago, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[topps coach]

agree with this. I am 75 , have been a Duke fan since the early 60's. I have seen a lot of lean, and I mean lean years. Never gave up on them though. I do not look forward to the years following K's retirement.

The old farts on this board went thru the lean years and stood the course.Younger fans have only seen good times.OFCers are like the Johnny Cash s Ragged Old Flag song and we will always be proud of the Duke brand

 

[dukehokie]

Duke blue is my favorite color. I’m here to stay.

Also I’m a Knicks and Mets fan, so loyalty ain’t an issue for me.

 

[sheyduke]

I’m as die hard as they come and pull for Duke good or bad.

Like Dukehokie said, I’m a Charlotte Hornets and Panthers fan and my loyalty never fails.

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

I will bleed Royal Blue until I die no matter who coaches and what our record is.

 

[skysdad]

I’ll think about it later. I can’t right now.....I just ate!!!

I was just so surprised seeing that from you dude but I do get how you feel about those 3. OFC

 

[DBM0828]

Yes I would. Easy answer for me.

 

[BlackKnightNut]

I will always be a Duke fan. I have been a Duke football fan my entire life, nuff said lol.

 

[SwatX1]

I was just so surprised seeing that from you dude but I do get how you feel about those 3. OFC

I kinda stated myself incorrectly....I wouldn’t not want Duke to win, and I would never pull against them, it would just be nauseating to see one of those guys on our sideline

 

[hart2chesson]

I was a Duke fan during the Bucky Waters, Neil McGeahy and very early K years. Always was a Duke fan even during all the terrible football years. I think that covers my Duke fan loyalty.

Dukeman we went thru the same times together buddy, and like yourself will allways stick by the boys fom Durham! OFC

 

[JC CATS]

Sorry man, I think if I saw one of those 3 guys coaching our team, I would puke every time the camera showed the bench. I just don’t think I could do it. Cal at Duke? I don’t know man!!! Don’t know if I could do it!!!

If you are a die hard Duke fan you would do it. I admit I didn't like Cal at Memphis, but I didn't really know his style and technique. He seems to be a genuine guy, he boasts a lot and that alienates other programs, but he gives so much back to the community...

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

How long would you stay a devoted Duke fan if Duke had coaches who produced records like, say, Herb Sendek - and if the powers that be at Duke seemed content to win at that level?

I ask that because a lot of us have looked at State and said things like "I bet you wish you had kept Sendek." Or "why couldn't you be satisfied with Sendek?"

But would YOU be satisfied with that? I mean, here's a guy who took his team to the NCAAT his last 5 seasons at State. Most schools would kill for that. Heck, a bunch of schools in the ACC would probably kill for that.

What happens when K retires if the next coach (or coaches, as the case may be) are no better than Sendek?

I doubt anyone will stop watching Duke basketball, but would it change anything?

[Disclaimer: I posted this same basic question on the UNC board. Curious to see what people here think, too.]

Duke fan for life here!! Not going anywhere!

 

[Devilinside]

Dukeman we went thru the same times together buddy, and like yourself will allways stick by the boys fom Durham! OFC

I would always be a Duke Fan, even if Duke offered AFAM courses to the players and hired someone from UNCHEAT to pretend to teach them.

OFC

 

[SwatX1]

If you are a die hard Duke fan you would do it. I admit I didn't like Cal at Memphis, but I didn't really know his style and technique. He seems to be a genuine guy, he boasts a lot and that alienates other programs, but he gives so much back to the community...

So let me ask you this.....your answer may differ from your board because you always seem to be more sensible and realistic than most of them. Pitino was loved here. Now he is hated more than anyone I can think of.....what if he came back to uk?

 

[tate12]

I have been a true Duke fan in every sport since 1964. Been through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. I never waivered. Enough said.

 

[hart2chesson]

I would always be a Duke Fan, even if Duke offered AFAM courses to the players and hired someone from UNCHEAT to pretend to teach them.

OFC

We dont have to worry, it will never happen!
OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

I have been a true Duke fan in every sport since 1964. Been through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. I never waivered. Enough said.

Thats me too Tate! All sports too as you say!

OFC

 

[JohnstonCDevil]

I was born a Duke fan, raised a Duke fan, and will be a Duke fan till I die. No matter what!!!!!
OFC

 

[skysdad]

Let me present this scenario to you guys. It is just something to ponder. Let's say we go back to 1980. Bill Foster who has built a good program, went took a team to the finals and had some good rerupting classes decides to leave. Anticipation grows among this board as to who the new coach at be. We feel like Duke is an excellent job and we feel several top coaches of the time should be thought about. Then our AD Tom Butters hires a coach who we can't even pronounce his name much less spell it. This coach has losing record at Army. Army for goodness sakes. He does however have a winning record because of some really good players Foster left behind. He then has 2 straight seasons of losing basketball. Because of Foster we are used to winning seasons by now and this military like coach who is totally different in coaching style doesn't seem to be getting any big time talent is still the coach. How many would still be a Duke fan. I know all the OFC would. Just curious. OFC

 

[Mac9192]

Let me present this scenario to you guys. It is just something to ponder. Let's say we go back to 1980. Bill Foster who has built a good program, went took a team to the finals and had some good rerupting classes decides to leave. Anticipation grows among this board as to who the new coach at be. We feel like Duke is an excellent job and we feel several top coaches of the time should be thought about. Then our AD Tom Butters hires a coach who we can't even pronounce his name much less spell it. This coach has losing record at Army. Army for goodness sakes. He does however have a winning record because of some really good players Foster left behind. He then has 2 straight seasons of losing basketball. Because of Foster we are used to winning seasons by now and this military like coach who is totally different in coaching style doesn't seem to be getting any big time talent is still the coach. How many would still be a Duke fan. I know all the OFC would. Just curious. OFC

This one is easy Sky. Definitely wouldn’t jump ship.
Where I might though would be having a coach or coaches that were sleazy. I think most that have been Duke fans since either K got there, or even before, pull for Duke because they were different than some other programs. No offense to the younger fans that started around the time Brand and Co. came to Durham.

That's some of why Duke became popular, they represented everything unc wasn’t.

 

[skysdad]

This one is easy Sky. Definitely wouldn’t jump ship.
Where I might though would be having a coach or coaches that were sleazy. I think most that have been Duke fans since either K got there, or even before, pull for Duke because they were different than some other programs. No offense to the younger fans that started around the time Brand and Co. came to Durham.

That's some of why Duke became popular, they represented everything unc wasn’t.

I really like this answer. I truly feel like every Duke fan that post here would remain one. OFC

 

[denverexpat]

My devotion comes from my admiration of Coach K and his teachings and philosophy. He stands tall with integrity, leadership and class at the forefront and places team over everything else. The record of the team is irrelevant. One caveat - the success of the program has made ME entitled - entitled to winning, expecting National championships and success.....that's on me though. So yes, I would follow if the success went away and Duke was a .500 program with the occasional exceptional year.

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

Let me present this scenario to you guys. It is just something to ponder. Let's say we go back to 1980. Bill Foster who has built a good program, went took a team to the finals and had some good rerupting classes decides to leave. Anticipation grows among this board as to who the new coach at be. We feel like Duke is an excellent job and we feel several top coaches of the time should be thought about. Then our AD Tom Butters hires a coach who we can't even pronounce his name much less spell it. This coach has losing record at Army. Army for goodness sakes. He does however have a winning record because of some really good players Foster left behind. He then has 2 straight seasons of losing basketball. Because of Foster we are used to winning seasons by now and this military like coach who is totally different in coaching style doesn't seem to be getting any big time talent is still the coach. How many would still be a Duke fan. I know all the OFC would. Just curious. OFC

Duke fan all day every day no matter what!!

 

[christophero]

the only thing that might make me not a fan would be if it came out we were paying players the past 5 years or so. But I don't think this would ever happen. I'd probably still be a fan, but it would crush my soul.

 

[ponarkel]

I will be a Duke fan as long as skysdad is a Duke fan. OFC

 

[ponarkel]

I will be a Duke fan even if I'm the last person posting on this board. I was a Duke fan way before we knew who Coach K was and even how to pronounce his name. I was a Duke fan in the lean years and everyone knew it. I know you didn't mean anything negative about Duke fans and bandwagon fans because of Coach K. I'm not sure you are trying to knock NCSU fans or not. To be honest and frank with even when the NCSU program was at its best during the David Thompson era the Wolfpack were no where near as obnoxious and arrogant as unc cheater u fans when they were kicking Duke up and down the court. I was curious Duke fan then and remember very well how fans hated Norman Sloan just as much as they hate Coach K today. It's always been stay in your place and don't have the nerve to beat unc on a regular basis or your coach, players and fans become the target offor the privileged and the entitled. As for stop watching Duke basketball or no matter who the coach is I will always be a Duke fan no matter what even if they cheat the way unc cheater u has done although I will be totally disappointed and ashamed unlike the majority of heel fans and Iwould demand changes yes I will be a Duke fan. Does this post give you a good take on the way I feel? OFC

Brilliant post. Just brilliant. OFC