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Looking Back: 1970, Bucky Waters’ First Season At Duke

Always leave a place better than you found it.

You’re familiar with that ancient bromide.

That’s why I haven’t talked much about the Bucky Waters years in these history pieces. Waters did not leave Duke basketball better than he found it.

There are reasons. Waters was only 34 when he took over for Vic Bubas and his take-no-prisoners, drill-sergeant demeanor wasn’t always a good fit for the time or the place. He lost five recruited players to transfer in four seasons at Duke, seven if we count two players who never made it past their freshman season.