Mike Krzyzewski

“I always won in my imagination. I always hit the game-winning shot, or I hit the free throw. Or if I missed, there was a lane violation, and I was given another one.”

“When I was growing up, there weren't any Little Leagues in the city. Parents worked all the time. They didn't have time to take their kids out to play baseball and football.”

“The truth is that many people set rules to keep from making decisions.”

“Everybody wants to take responsibility when you win, but when you fail, all these fingers are pointing.”

“When I was in sixth grade, I wanted to become a priest.”

“It's always an honor to be ranked high, but whatever is said about you, you take it and then take a realistic look at yourself and who you are.”

“The person who has inspired me my whole life is my Mom, because she taught me commitment. She sacrificed.”

“To me, teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless.”

“I think some parents now look at a youngster failing as the final thing. It's a process, and failure is part of the process. I would like it if the teacher and the parents would connect more...”

“Each group and each youngster is different. As a leader or coach, you get to know what they need.”