As Mike Krzyzewski begins his final tournament run, the Duke legend carries with him the love and loss that made him who he is -- and who he isn't.
ike Krzyzewski walked into his office last summer in a melancholy mood. His yellow lab, Blue, had died in his arms the month before. Approaching the start of his final season, he teared up as he told stories about Blue. The family has always had communal dogs, named Cameron and Defense, but Blue belonged to him, and would sit at his feet while he watched hours of game film. Coach K loved his dog and on this afternoon felt his absence acutely. There were a lot of feelings in the air. He had moved into the inevitable wilderness of loss and…
