Duke Icon Coach K Predicts Florida Basketball Has "Real Chance" to Repeat as National Champions

Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski believes Florida has the rebounding ability and championship experience to win back-to-back titles.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:18pm

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Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski believes the Florida basketball team has a "real chance" to win back-to-back national championships. Krzyzewski, who is one of just three coaches in the last 50 years to win consecutive titles, praised Florida coach Todd Golden and highlighted the team's rebounding ability as a key strength. He compared Florida's current pursuit of a title to his 1992 Duke team that successfully repeated as champions.

Why it matters

Florida is looking to become the fourth team in 50 years to win consecutive national championships, a feat accomplished by only three other coaches, including Krzyzewski. The Gators are the No. 1 seed in the South Region and will begin their title defense on Friday, March 20 against the winner of a play-in game.

The details

Krzyzewski joined The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN and spoke about the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament brackets, specifically highlighting Florida's chances at repeating as champions. He praised Florida coach Todd Golden as "one hell of a coach" and said the Gators' four experienced forwards - Micah Handlogten, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu - give them a key advantage. Krzyzewski also noted Florida's dominant rebounding as a major strength, saying "they rebound the hell out of the ball."

  • Florida will begin its title defense on Friday, March 20 at 9:25 p.m. on TNT against the winner of a play-in game on Wednesday.
  • Krzyzewski made his comments on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN on Monday, March 16.

The players

Mike Krzyzewski

The legendary former head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who is one of just three coaches in the last 50 years to win back-to-back national championships.

Todd Golden

The current head coach of the Florida Gators basketball team, whom Krzyzewski praised as "one hell of a coach."

Micah Handlogten

One of Florida's four experienced forwards that Krzyzewski highlighted as giving the Gators a key advantage.

Thomas Haugh

One of Florida's four experienced forwards that Krzyzewski highlighted as giving the Gators a key advantage.

Alex Condon

One of Florida's four experienced forwards that Krzyzewski highlighted as giving the Gators a key advantage.

Rueben Chinyelu

One of Florida's four experienced forwards that Krzyzewski highlighted as giving the Gators a key advantage.

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What they’re saying

“They rebound the hell out of the ball.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Former Duke Head Coach

“We don't have to defend a damn thing. What we need to do is pursue, and I think this Florida team is pursing right now.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Former Duke Head Coach

“Until they lost this last game, they were probably the hottest team in the country.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Former Duke Head Coach

What’s next

The Gators will begin their tournament run on Friday, March 20 against the winner of a play-in game on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Krzyzewski's high praise for Florida's rebounding ability, championship experience, and coaching leadership suggests the Gators have a legitimate shot at becoming just the fourth team in 50 years to win back-to-back national titles, a feat Krzyzewski himself accomplished with Duke in 1991 and 1992.