RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)—Setting aside the heated college basketball rivalry, recently retired Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski was honored Thursday by Gov. Roy Cooper—a two-time graduate of the University of North Carolina—with the state’s highest honor.
Eschewing his favored Tar Heel blue tie for a darker Duke hue, Cooper held a ceremony to give Krzyzewski the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, saying he’s “dedicated his life to helping others be their best” both on and off the court. Coach K came to Durham in 1980 to take the job.
“I’m a Carolina fan, Tar Heel born and bred and all that.