Coach K Bullish on Duke's March Madness Chances

Hall of Fame coach believes Blue Devils have 'hell of a chance' to win national title

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:35pm

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Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski believes Duke remains well positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, saying the Blue Devils have a 'hell of a chance' to win the national championship if they can get their two injured players back. Duke enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East Region.

Why it matters

Krzyzewski's optimism about Duke's chances comes as questions continue to swirl around the overall strength of the ACC in a packed field of 68 teams. The Blue Devils are looking to snap an 11-year championship drought and return to the Final Four under fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer.

The details

Duke (32-2) opens tournament play Thursday against 16-seed Siena in Greenville, South Carolina. The winner will advance to face either No. 8 Ohio State or No. 9 TCU in the second round. Krzyzewski believes the overall balance in this year's bracket is outstanding, noting that many of the tournament's top teams come from outside the ACC.

  • Duke opens tournament play on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
  • The Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament championship under fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer.

The players

Mike Krzyzewski

Hall of Fame coach who led Duke to five national championships during his storied career.

Jon Scheyer

Fourth-year head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who has led the team to three ACC Tournament championships in his first four seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Duke has a hell of a chance — especially if they get their two injured guys back”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Hall of Fame Coach

“They've spread those teams across the four regions. That's what makes the tournament special. It creates matchups that you normally wouldn't see.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Hall of Fame Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.