Duke Basketball: Coach K Stuns Former Player With Emotional Message

Former Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski made another special video. 

It has been said throughout the years that Mike Krzyzewski never loses contact with his former players and that happened yet again to another Duke basketball captain.

Krzyzewski made a personalized video for Paolo Banchero after he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft at the end of June. The video, which was played on ESPN during Banchero’s post-draft interview, made the former Blue Devil and his mother very emotional.

The Hall of Famer made another video that has not received as much publicity, but was perhaps more heartfelt considering the circumstances.

Jack White was a two-year captain as a Blue Devil and opted to return back home to Australia to play professional basketball before he ruptured his achilles just 11 games into his rookie season in 2020-21.

ALSO READ: Coach K delivers special message to Paolo Banchero

White retuned to the court in eight months and averaged 9.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 54.0-percent from the floor and 31.0-percent from 3-point range this past season.

Now, the former Blue Devil is competing in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers after making the Australian Men’s Basketball National Team and Krzyzewski was there to congratulate him once he officially made the roster.

“I’m so happy for you,” Krzyzewski said.

“To make this team in quite an honor…you’re not only a good player but you’re a great guy and an amazing teammate,” the Hall of Famer continued.

The video then shows an impromptu conversation between Jack White and Mike Krzyzewski after the former Blue Devil saw the video from his college coach.

White and the ‘Boomers’ went 3-0 in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers with two victories over China and a win over Japan.

Duke basketball star returns to United States for chance at NBA

The busy summer for Jack White continues as he boards a plane to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League as he will be participating with the Denver Nuggets.

White, with a good showing, could be a serious candidate for a two-way contract with the organization as he looks to make an NBA roster, or organization, for the first time in his career.

ALSO READ: Surprise Duke forward making appearance at Summer League

The Las Vegas Summer League runs from July 7-17, meaning it seems unlikely he will play with Team Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup beginning on July 12.

Denver begins its Summer League on July 8 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.